Older Women Still Need Older Women
Sue Tell, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior... They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women... that the word of God may not be reviled (Titus 2:3-5).
I don't remember when I first wrote those words (Older women still need older women) in my journal. Although as I've continued my journey and can now claim older status, I know for sure that God whispered an important truth to me that day, and it has been resonating ever since.
Discipleship, or encouraging others in their walks with God, is not only something I offer; it is something I need. Older women still need older women! Age is not a factor. Recently, having decided to write a manuscript on rest, I knew I wanted ... no, I needed ... help. Might it turn into a book? I don't know. However, with that thought floating in the background, I began reaching out to others who have gone before me, other authors, and others I thought might help. My hour-long phone call with Jean Fleming reaffirmed to me older women still need older women.
I initiated. Jean, I'm thinking about ... what are your thoughts? Will you share your wisdom with me? Jean immediately went into question mode, her wisdom pouring out. I could hardly write fast enough. Building on my desire to write, she encouraged me to be a Mary (the mother of Jesus). The word ponder immediately came to mind. Jean encouraged me to think about my ah-ha moments. What was I doing when they came? Was I at home sitting with my open Bible, or perhaps on a walk with my dog, or …?
She encouraged me not to rush through the process. She shared her writing journey. I was amazed by how her desires overlapped with mine. Jean is an affirm-er. Each time I'm with her, or we have talked on the phone, she has verbalized the God-given giftedness she sees in my life. I have always left knowing she believes in me. Jean used the project God has given me to continue to help me mature in my faith. Her questions led me behind the project, to my friendship with God, and propelled me in ways I hadn't previously connected. Her wisdom influenced my writing process. I knew she was vested in our friendship. Thank you, Jean!
I have other older women in my life as well. Each is a precious gift. Each has encouraged me with their unique contributions. Older women still need older women.
- Who are the older women in your life?
- How can you create opportunities to connect with them?
- Is God asking you to be an older woman to another woman?
PRAYER
Father, thank You so much for Jean and the other older women You have gifted me with. Help me to seek them out. Help me to listen well to their wisdom. Father help me to know what it is that You want me to apply. And also, Father, help me to initiate and move toward younger women, those who may even be fearful of seeking an older woman out. Help me to listen to them and love them well. Thank You for Your wisdom and faithfulness in those You allow us to know. Amen
PS. If you haven't read Jean's book, Pursue the Intentional Life, I highly recommend it. It has all 5-star ratings, and on Amazon, the audio format is currently free.
Copyright, November 2019, Sue Tell, Echoes of Grace
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sue Tell and her husband Bill have been married for almost 46 years and have served on the staff of The Navigators for 46 years as well. Although their official roles have changed over the years, the campus ministry has always been a part. Sue writes a weekly faith-based blog, Echoes of Grace, that you can find on her Website. Sue also enjoys facilitating Sabbath-Living retreats to help women grow in their friendship with God. Bill and Sue have two married sons, five grands, and her favorite walking buddy, a Golden Retriever named Lexie.
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Originally published Saturday, 12 November 2022.
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