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Written by Dr. Anessa Westbrook, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in York, Nebraska
If you were asked to explain marquetry or pyrography, how would you begin? Likely, few of you even know what these crafts are, so you would probably begin by looking them up. Then, perhaps, you would try to learn a little about the process behind them. When it comes to mentoring, our familiarity with that word can give us a false sense of knowing what it is. It’s like hearing a word in another language and assuming that you know the meaning because it sounds familiar, but then later find out that the meaning is different. Often, we do not take the time needed to reflect on everything that mentoring entails.
Women are specifically told to mentor in Titus 2. Titus 2:3 lays out the personal preparation that must occur beforehand, saying, “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” (NIV). Before someone begins mentoring, there is a preparation process that needs to take place. According to this passage, mentors need to be reverent, watch the way they talk about people, not be controlled by worldly actions, and be prepared to provide good teaching. These qualities take time to develop. What we see reflected in this verse is inner work that is both countercultural and requires the ability to stand one’s ground.
We should not underestimate the power of our influence as women. In Philippians 4:2-3, we see Euodia and Syntyche called out both as partners in the Gospel and with a plea for them to get along. They were obviously influential, but their disagreement was causing issues in the church at Philippi. Mentors should be worthy of imitation. Just as Paul called upon Christians to imitate him in Philippians 3:17, a mentor needs to realize the weightiness of her example. Unhealthy practices should be identified and removed from her life, as they could potentially be replicated in the life of her mentee.
Titus 2:4-5 outlines specific topics for mentors to cover. These topics are mainly domestic in nature, but they represented the everyday reality of women at this time. Paul wanted women to infuse their daily work with purpose and faith, so that they could represent Christianity and their faith well. Today’s mentors should take into account the daily work of their mentees, preparing them to reflect God in their work and personal lives.
Throughout Acts, women played important roles as the early church was being established. Right after the apostles watched Jesus ascend into heaven, they returned to the upper room in Jerusalem. Acts 1:14 says, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (ESV). In this small community, women wrestled alongside the apostles with how to apply what they had learned from Jesus to their lives as a Christian community.
Throughout the book of Acts, we see women stepping up to use their gifts for Christ. We are introduced to Tabitha in Acts 9, who is described in verse 36 as “always doing good and helping the poor.” After she became ill and died, her absence was felt keenly by the widows whom she was caring for, and ultimately resulted in Peter raising her from the dead so she could continue her work. In Acts 16, we see the influential and connected Lydia and her household’s conversion and baptism. In verse 40, we find that Lydia went on to host Christians in her home. And in Acts 18, Priscilla, alongside of husband Aquilla, shares the good news of Jesus’ life and ministry to Apollos, who was boldly preaching about the coming of the Messiah. This transformed his message. These women used their influence in the circles God had given them, stepped up, and served God faithfully in those areas. Mentors should demonstrate this type of faithful service in their own circles, encouraging younger women to do the same.
Mentoring is not a suggestion or an option; it is what we are called to as women. We should approach our own preparation with intentionality, carefully considering the way we influence and mentor. As you reflect on mentoring, what are some growth areas that you can work on? What type of impact do you think you could make in the lives of other women after working in these areas?
Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela
God's wisdom is and always will be a precious gift that comes from the Eternal, manifesting itself in you; in how you carry yourself and in the words that reflect the character of Christ, and not in human knowledge. In James 3:17, it says: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (NIV).
Such divine wisdom is acquired by obeying and persevering in passion, discipline, and love toward God (Pr 1:7); therefore, it is of heavenly origin, it is different from human wisdom, it is asked for in faith, it is demonstrated in trials and difficulties, it is like a guide to daily life, and it produces, among many other virtues, spiritual growth.
As a daughter of the King, practicing God's wisdom fills me with perfect peace and unique joy in the midst of a humanity without that wisdom. Therefore, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph 5:15-16).
That is why living day by day in wisdom makes it possible to make the most of every opportunity to experience and act out the immense benefits of security and meekness in Christ Jesus. It becomes a blessing to be able to speak for God in every moment and everywhere I am, bringing calm, life, and purposes that glorify His holy name. This is much better than material well-being or personal success.
In my daily life and in the places that God Himself allows me to be, it is for me an occasion to speak of the most beautiful gift of love that is Jesus and His Holy Spirit.
By having in common the same heavenly Progenitor, we are sisters of the same Father, who is the giver of His infinite wisdom. This entails being attentive to human machinations that counteract the spiritual, a permanent struggle that requires self-control in the Holy Spirit and the soul. His wisdom, which comes from heaven, is like a rainbow of colors that gives light to the heart, the mind, and the way to reflect a full and meaningful life, providing the necessary guidance and knowledge on how to move forward daily and in harmony with God’s divine will.
So, look how beautiful that wisdom is, highlighted in Proverbs 3:13-26, which says:
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
This text teaches how precious it is to be under the wisdom of our God, while its daily practice makes us wise and prudent. How wonderful it is to stand at His feet and in His heavenly Kingdom. Blessed are we.
And if at times you feel weak, feel unworthy of His grace and His great love, remember: You are in His grace, in His forgiveness and permanent life, which shows us the possibility of continually coming back to the spiritual, through the Holy Spirit and His perfect wisdom.
Discern in your heart attentively under the light of the Holy Spirit and His wisdom, observe yourself at every moment, and ask yourself: Do I have the wisdom that comes from God or only my own knowledge? "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (Jas 1:5).
