Friday, May 12, 2017

An Ode of Gratitude to Our Spiritual Mothers



This one's for all those spiritual mothers who've led us on the way.  

Those faithful souls who shared wisdom laced with integrity and joy.  The ones who brought comfort to our sorrows big and small.  You took us by the hand and modeled what loving Jesus and serving God looked like.

*

You, the souls defined by music and melody who taught eager hearts and little lips to sing sweet Jesus songs that remain with us to this day.

And the stalwart teachers who patiently showed us how to tuck Bible verses deep into our hearts with wonderful flannel graph stories accompanied by pots of sticky glue adhering to bits and pieces of multi-colored crayoned construction paper.

Mamas and grandmamas.  Aunties and Sunday School teachers.  Pioneer Girl leaders and music instructors.  Camp counselors and youth group leaders.

*  

And in years to come, it was those faithful women's Bible study leaders who took us deep into God's Word week in and out.  And you nurturing Titus 2 women modeling a lifestyle of significance and impact.  Dear friends who had weathered their own journeys, emerging just a few steps ahead of us along the way, your own souls just a bit battered and worn, yet strong and fragrant with the aroma of Christ.

Those oh-so-wise professors and the heaven-sent spiritual directors and counselors, coaches and mentors who patiently sat with us and our endless questions and concerns, the challenges and doubts.  You empathized fully 'cause you'd 'been there, done that.'

You modeled for us fledglings how to gracefully enter unknown territories, influence in board rooms and meetings, our heads grazing against stained glass ceilings in churches that didn't quite know what to do with us.  You bore the bumps and bruises with us and taught us how to be filled with courage, mercy, and truth.

*

You tenderly showed us how to listen quietly to the Spirit's promptings and embrace His calling on our lives with a hopeful anticipation.  

Your wise guidance led us to make ourselves fully available to the Spirit's leading and discernment and power for ministry.

Your lives helped us claim the truth that that tender hearts mingled with a godly courage could send us far, build us strong, shaping us into humble servants fully available for Kingdom work.

You are our Proverbs 31 women, filled with beautiful valor and integrity, godliness and strength.  All of us who've been shaped and grown through your generous tutelage join hands and proclaim, with tears in our eyes and hearts overflowing, that with everything in us,  we 'thank God upon every remembrance of you ...'


i'd love for you to share this ode of gratitude 
with your spiritual mothers ...
social media links are below

*

and i'd love for you to 

*


*


*

34 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post. I thought of those who have poured into me over the years for the sake of Jesus. What a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A pouring out of love, grace, care ... and sometimes concern. What a beautiful image you've painted, Lulu. Thank you for kicking off our walk down memory lane.

      Happy Mother's Day, friend.

      Delete
  2. AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!! So very very well written and said! I am blessed to still have one of those women in my life. She is 91 and living in an assisted living facility about 25 minutes away. When I was a young mom, she listened long and graciously an gently spoke love into my heart and nurtured me spiritually. Flora Jean is cherished ever since!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 91. Amen! Let's hear it for Flora Jean ... and all those 'elderly' women who remain wise and strong in spirit.

      Happy Mother's Day, Pam. And thank you for the mentoring you offer me through the written word. I'm richer for it ...

      Delete
  3. What a lovely and loving post, Linda. It is a privilege and a joy to read it.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-309-never-go-full.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for going there with us, man ... even if it is a bit of a 'women's post.'

      Your support is always an encouragement.

      Delete
  4. My thoughts go to Shirley and Greta, my mentors when I was a baby in Christ. What they taught me was invaluable and what they lived out was inspiring! I thank God for them regularly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I remember you talking of them. Wow ... what an imprint they've made on your life. If they could see you now ...

      Thank you for the way you care for and mentor me, friend. My life is richer {and more stable!} for it.

      Happy Mother's Day ...

      Delete
  5. So many help us along the way ... blessings to you as one who does just that - help others along their way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a big believer that everyone should have a mentor ... and be one, too.

      Passing whatever I've learned on is sheer joy. Even if some of the lessons were excruciating along the way.

      And thank you for the way you enrich my life with your photos, your simple yet profound words. I breathe deep in your online presence, friend.

      Delete
  6. So many women come to mind - Bev, Ruth, KC, Sue, the list could go on and on. Some were subtle, some were overly direct. Some never knew that I was watching and learning from them as they just went along living their lives. Living through crisis, death, sickness, loss - and my young eyes and ears drank it all in and learned from them, from their faith and dependence on God - never knowing that years later I would be going through the same things. Thank you for living your faith.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes we need subtle. Yet, too often direct is the kick in the pants we need that no one else is brave and wise enough to offer.

      That person has to be in a very unique place to give us that godly shove, don't they.

      I like what you said about your eyes and ears drinking it all in. Maybe the best mentoring we offer is when we have no idea we're doing it ...

      Can't wait to celebrate Mother's Day with you, little sister.

      Delete
  7. Amen, and amen again, Linda! There are so many moms out there, and we should be especially grateful for the ones who patiently and wisely led us closer to Christ.
    Blessings, and Happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you were blessed by this day, friend ...

      Delete
  8. Hi Linda! I am thankful for all the women who have showed me the Lord's love, support and kindness on my road to loving him. God sends us just who we need, when we need them. I am so grateful.
    May God bless you today, as you celebrate your motherhood, and are celebrated!
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love your reminder that 'God sends us just who we need, when we need them,' Ceil.

      He knows, doesn't He ...

      I hope this day brought you joy.

      Delete
  9. Beautiful! Shared out to my Inspiring Hope Page too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Thanks for spreading the word, Lynn!

      You're terrific ...

      Delete
  10. So beautiful! My pastor read a poem or letter to all women yesterday and we celebrated all women on Mother's Day. I was touched that everyone was included because so many times we make it an exclusive day. Hope you had a wonderful day Linda celebrating you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Mary, one of our pastors shared the best open letter I've ever heard. My tears fell freely. I'm hoping to get a copy to share with you all here. My heart was deeply touched.

      I praise God for ministry leaders who have tender sensitive hearts ...

      Delete
  11. I need to spend more time thinking back to who my spiritual mothers were. I automatically think of my own mother, but there have been and continue to be many other women who influence me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to hear your thoughts when you have time to reflect, Lisa. The list must be great indeed as I think about the caliber of woman you are.

      Delete
  12. Happy Mother's Day, Linda. And to all the moms here who have been mothers in their own way. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You said it well, Lux. We each mother in our own way, even if we've never given birth.

      May we all find a mentor, and may we all be one, too.

      Delete
  13. What a loving tribute, Linda! To all those who have shown love and nurturing to others in some way. I didn't have that privilege growing up, but I am grateful for the friends and family I have today who are caring and nurturing. Friends who are a "bit battered and worn, yet strong and fragrant with the aroma of Christ." That includes you, my friend. Love and hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How incredibly powerful God is, Trudy, that even though you didn't 'have that privilege growing up,' in this season you are full of grace and hope and love, and share that bounty with those who He brings along your pathway.

      I am privileged to be one of them. And yes, you're right. We offer this nurturing to one another.

      This, one of blogging's kindest gifts ...

      Delete
  14. Beautiful, Linda. I am so grateful for the many women along the way who have filled this role for me in various ways. And I echo what dear Trudy just said ... that includes you! A belated Happy Mother's Day to you, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope your day was restful and rejuvenating, friend. Recent weeks have demanded much from you. May you find your soul being refreshed by quiet moments with your Heavenly Father ... and through pen and ink, too.

      Delete
  15. this is a beautiful tribute to all those who have mothered us...

    ReplyDelete
  16. So thankful for those who've been placed in my life. I hope I am showing them my gratitude.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Showing our gratitude. Yes, yes, Debby. I love that gentle nudge to do so. May it become as natural as breathing.

      Delete
  17. So good. I think of the rich gifts I received from my mentor nearly every day -- even though she's been in heaven for nearly 15 years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those gifts are like pure gold, aren't they, Michele ...

      Thanks for being here.

      Delete