A Heartfelt Plea to Older Sisters in Christ
As I reflect on my journey as a young Christian, I am reminded of the profound impact that older, wiser women can have on our lives. In this letter, I want to share with you a personal story, one that I hope will encourage and challenge you to consider your role in mentoring and discipling younger women.
A Personal Story of Rejection and Redemption
I still remember the day I approached two older women in my church, asking if they would be willing to mentor me. I had admired their faith, wisdom, and character, and I longed to learn from them. However, both women declined my request, citing busyness and other commitments.
I was devastated. I felt rejected and unsure of how to navigate my faith journey without guidance. But in that moment of disappointment, I made a promise to God: if any woman ever asked me to mentor her, I would never say no.
Years later, I had the opportunity to speak with one of those women, Mama Gracie, about my experience. She shared with me that she had been scared and unsure of how to respond to my request. Her honesty and vulnerability touched my heart, and I realized that we all struggle with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty.
A Call to Action
As I write to you today, I want to assure you that your experience, wisdom, and faith are desperately needed by younger women. We need your guidance, encouragement, and support as we navigate the challenges of life.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. You have so much to offer, and your investment in our lives can have a lasting impact. Here are three things I want to remind you:
- Don’t let superhigh expectations discourage you. We don’t expect you to have all the answers or to be perfect. We just need your willingness to walk alongside us and share your experiences.
- We need more than practical instruction. While practical advice is helpful, we also need to learn how to root our lives in the gospel. We need to understand how to live out our faith in a way that honors God and brings joy to our hearts.
- Anticipate gaining more than you give. As you invest in our lives, you will also grow and learn. You will be encouraged and equipped to live out your faith, and you will experience the joy of watching us grow and mature.
A Word of Encouragement
If you’re feeling uncertain or inadequate, please know that you’re not alone. We all feel that way at times. But I want to remind you that your life is a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness. Your experiences, though imperfect, are a treasure trove of wisdom and insight.
So, I ask you to consider saying yes to mentoring a younger woman. Your investment in her life can have a lasting impact, and you will be blessed in return.
Your sister in Christ,
Kristi
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