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It happened sixteen years ago. A young woman came to me and with tears
in her eyes asked me if I would mentor her. I was startled. I didn’t know how
to respond because I had never officially mentored anyone. Even though I said
yes, I had no idea how this “mentoring thing” would evolve. Over the next two
years I experienced a journey of discovery and excitement in my spirit that I
did not even know existed. I found that as men and women who have godly
influence, we are called to mentor. For the women it clearly states in the
bible that: “These older women must train the younger women to live quietly, to
love their husbands and their children, and to be sensible and clean
minded…(Titus 2:4 NLT). I have discovered that when I am obedient to this
command, I also grow spiritually and my own life is enriched and fulfilled.
Here are 10 reasons why I am passionate about mentoring.
1.
Our great God
is a creator and we are mad e in His image. We are fulfilled when we are also creating. Mentoring gives me an opportunity to partner
with God and create new life in
another woman.
2.
God is a
God of order and He has a reason for asking us to do something. In the book of
Titus it says that: “old er women are
to teach the younger women.” When I am part of God ’s
plan for the way He intend ed this world
to work, my own life is enriched ,
3.
As I interact and minister to other women, I
realize that the pain, confusion and
failures I have experienced in my life, have given me wisd om
that I must pass on to younger women.
4.
I “get to” have an intimate relationship with
another women. We are created for intimacy and
this type of close relationship fills that void
in my own life.
5.
I watch life transformation before my very eyes.
7.
It teaches me to become honest and authentic.
8.
Mentoring is a mirror for my own life. When I realize that the woman I am mentoring
watches me, it causes me to look at myself through the eyes of God and the
other woman.
9.
Mentoring teaches me what it means to become a god ly woman of influence.
10.
Mentoring gives hope, encouragement, love, and wisd om
to other women in every stage of their lives. I am in awe that God wants to use me to be his hand s, feet and
voice that will accomplish His plans and
purposes in other women.
Mentoring for me is like skiing free-style. Each woman is unique in her
request for me to mentor her and I need to listen to her heart and her need. I
have mentored women to help them with their marriages, to teach them out to
grow in their spiritual life, how to overcome being a “child of divorce”, how
to live a Christian life after being in a cult, how to survive with 5 small
children. And so on and so on. Each woman’s story is precious and distinctive. As
Christian writers we have powerful wisdom and insights into helping younger
writers craft their words and stories.
As women of influence it is up to us to look a younger woman in the eye
and say, “How can I best help you in your journey?” Then let God help you forge
the path.
Heidi McLaughlin lives in
the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia.
She is married to Pastor Jack and they have a wonderful, eclectic blended
family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. When Heidi is not working, she loves
to curl up with a great book, or golf and laugh with her husband and special
friends. You can reach her at: www.heartconnection.ca
5 comments:
Lovely, reflective post, Heidi. With great mentoring responsibility comes great fulfilment though, right? Your ten reasons are so valid and well thought out. I think the scariest one for me is #7 about it being a mirror! Yikes.
Thank you for this reminder Heidi. We sometimes get so busy with our own projects that we forget how important mentoring is - for those we mentor and for us, too
Goodness, Heidi! I'm a mentor, too but I didn't even realize it until I read your 10 points. The Lord has put me into that role with a couple of younger women. You've beautifully defined what I've been doing unconsciously. Now I can be aware of the relationship and seek God with more focus. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your thoughts, Heidi. Mentoring always brings me back to where I need to be in my own life, and in our own marriage as we mentor a young married couple. Mentoring points out the weaknesses in my life that need strengthening and has caused me to face some of my own issues. Like you said, mentoring is like a mirror! It sure is a wonderful privilege and learning experience!
Pam Mytroen
Heidi, I'm sure that you and your lady commenters are right on. You have articulated well key elements involved in mentoring. It's interesting that some of us hadn't thought of ourselves as mentors, even though mentoring was taking place, for someone (often younger) looked to us as examples and for guidance, and were receiving inspiration and help for their life's journey. Thank you. ~~+~~
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