Here at Willowdale Women, we’ve had a number of writers share over the years how relationship, friendship and advice from others who have walked the path before them have taught and encouraged them.
Paul’s letter to Titus reminds us of how important this generational discipleship is.
Titus 2: 1-8
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Here’s a look at some of the wisdom that has been shared here on this blog. Consider how these encouragements and admonitions can move you toward seeking out those women older and younger than you for this sharing of relationship, teaching and learning.
“Over time Becky became a most devoted friend, always keeping our family in prayer. If she was praying about some need or concern we had, she was sure to follow up with a call to see how things had turned out. We even found that it was easy to pray together over the phone. Just a week before her death, she called me to check up on how one of our girls was doing. Faithful to the end … Becky’s life reveals what a life of purpose looks like. Her actions testify to the importance of being in community. Because of her, I recognize prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can share. I have learned from her that one can make a difference even at age 90. And her example is a reminder to get to know an older or younger woman. She just might change your life.” from Graced with Purpose and Wisdom
“God makes our paths cross with each other in various ways. Some people’s paths run parallel and stay with us. Some cross, never to be seen again. Some weave in and out with great joy and purpose each time. Can you think of how that might be true in your life? How is your path crossing with someone else for their benefit?” from How Our Paths Cross
“…young women should be connected with those older than them in the church so they can learn and grow, and that older women should be stepping up to teach those younger women.
This doesn’t mean only those at the opposite ends of the spectrum qualify. Here are a few simple examples:
Befriending someone who is five or ten years behind you in the career world to help them navigate the challenges ahead is a great way to come alongside and teach.
Seeking out someone who has children that are five or ten years older than yours is a great way to find a spiritual mentor.
Joining a Bible study with women who are a decade or two apart from you will provide fresh perspectives on your current situations and struggles.
As a family, invite a single woman over for supper and provide a place for her to belong.
We, the church, are the body of Christ – a living, dynamic being. If we’re not connecting to one another, the whole church suffers. If my hands are not working in concert with my legs, I could make a huge mess of the meal I might be preparing at the counter in my kitchen as I move around to get ingredients and tools. If my eyes are not in sync with my brain, driving a car could prove fatal.
The same goes for discipleship. If we’re leaving gaps in the body of Christ where generations are not interacting with one another, we’re failing to function correctly, and that contributes to a loss for everyone.” from Young and Old: Connecting to Make the Most of It
“I have wonderful, supportive friends and family, but we often only ‘know what we know’ and that usually comes from our life experiences. It’s impossible to see the struggles of someone in a different life situation with perfect clarity, so there are always ways that all of us can learn to love each other better.” from All The Single Ladies (Part 1)
The women who are writing, leading and reading this blog come from different generations. What a trove of wisdom is found both here online and even more so in the hearts, minds and lives of the women in our church community.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Originally from Georgia, Mary Beth Gombita is a lover of sweet tea, a proud Georgia Bulldog and an avid music fan. She works in public relations, running her own communications consulting business from home. Mary Beth and her husband, Stephen, have two young sons. She is currently the editor of our Willowdale Women blog.