My husband and I have lived in five states since we’ve been married. We traveled a lot before we had kids and met so many strong Christian couples who poured into us and modeled what it was to be giving, serving, faithful followers of Christ.
Jim and Julie taught us to love the Church, to serve well and to believe and follow God’s Word.
Bill and Anne-Robin taught us about extravagant and sacrificial giving (and Disney!)
Bruce and Suzanne taught us to serve wherever we are, to love our kids and show hospitality.
Wayne and Donna taught us about sharing your home, the fruit of your lips, commitment to family and faith in God’s Word.
Specifically, when the doctors told me that Lydia was dead in the womb, Donna is the one that laid her hands on me (at her own daughter’s rehearsal dinner!) and called forth life.
I’ve always felt she was the Elizabeth to my Mary. You remember the story?
Elizabeth was the barren wife of Zechariah, the priest. Then, one day, while Zechariah was in the temple, the angel Gabriel showed up and told him Elizabeth was going to have a baby.
While Elizabeth was indeed pregnant, Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she was also going to have a baby. Gabriel let her in on the big news that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant and what did Mary do? She ran to Elizabeth!
Who else would know exactly how she felt? Who else would be able to assure her that yes, an angel did show up and tell her she was pregnant!
So, when Mary arrived to Elizabeth’s house two amazing…well, three amazing things happened:
- Elizabeth’s baby (later known as John the Baptist) jumped inside of her!
- Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and knew the miracle that had happened to Mary–knew the Messiah was inside of Mary’s womb.
- Mary worshipped God for the miracle.
Photo by Jaimie Trueblood/newline.wireimage.com
Here’s why these are amazing–Elizabeth was not in on Mary’s miracle. Gabriel had not told her anything. In fact, Zechariah is the one that had to tell Elizabeth she was going to get pregnant in the first place–which was probably hard considering he couldn’t speak! Mary is the only one who knew of the double miracle. Elizabeth probably didn’t even know Mary was coming to her house. But, she was an open vessel, listening to the Holy Spirit, firm in her faith. She cried out,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!“
And what did this do for Mary? We don’t know that Mary was doubting God, in fact, according to the text, she was very trusting. But, she was still human. And she did go to Elizabeth’s, presumably to get away from potential gossip in her hometown, but I think she also went to just make sure all this was really happening.
When Mary hears Elizabeth’s greeting–which was part prophetic, part encouragement, part worship, Mary turns to the Lord and begins to worship Him in song! It almost seems as if when those two women got together, when Elizabeth’s faith and joy connected with Mary’s, they were super-charged with more faith and joy.
This is how God works in relationships. You don’t need to be carrying a special baby to have miracles from the Lord. You might have a dream in your heart or a burden on your back. But, when we find other women, especially an older, more mature woman in the faith that can connect to our faith, that can remind us of God’s Word, our faith can be strengthened in ways we can’t imagine.
I wrote a devotional about this story in the new (in)courage devotional Bible. And when I got my author copy, I sent it straight to Donna as a long-overdue thank you for strengthening my faith in a hard time. Just last week, I bought myself another copy of the Bible and before I could even open it, found out there was someone in my family with a fledgling faith who needed a Bible and I got to pass it on to her.
I’m not telling you this to impress you. In fact, I feel very insecure about it! What I want you to see is that wherever you are in your faith journey, you need older, mature women in your life to help lead and strengthen you. You can also be a leader and encourager to other younger-in-the-faith women in your life.
The devotions in this Bible are written by over 120 authors, but it all circles around the theme of courageous women. Not courageous because of their own get-up-and-go, but because of God’s purpose, plan and power inside of them. I hope these devotions inspire you to be courageous with your faith and lead others to do the same.
Need a new Bible? Or wanna pass one off to a friend in your life? Check out this (in)courage Devotional Bible. It is beautiful!
I’ve recently begun meeting with a woman who is serving as a mentor to me in my spiritual life. My Thursday mornings with Cheri are a blessing and a treat and a privilege.
I am so blessed to have so many wise godly women in my life, some in the same stage as me others ahead of me, all of them speak into me, encourage me, pray for me.. I am so so blessed!
There are so many winen who are influential in my life. If I had to pick one I say my grandmother. Her strength and faith amazes me. After recently losing my grandfather her strength leaves me in awe.
When I was in college, the youth pastor’s wife invited me to pray with her every Sunday before youth group. She was going to be praying anyway and just invited me. I went almost every Sunday for 4 years. I learned so much about life and God and prayer from her.
My grandmother was always in tune with my needs without ever telling her anything. Short on money . . . she’d slip a check into my purse as she treated me to lunch. In a hurry and stressed out . . . she’d show up with dinner cooked and ready. And so on . . . all without a word from me that I had a need. I miss her a lot.
My sweet grandmother had 11 children and remained the most patient kindest woman I have ever known. As a mother to five children I often say I don’t know how she did it. But then I remember her faith in God and heart for prayer. She is such a wonderful example to me.
I am being discipled by someone who has known me since birth. It’s amazing ?
My mother in law! My family was Christian but more of the obligatory church goer type. My husband’s family showed me what true faith and relationship looked like.
My dear friend Anita walked along side me in the early years of my marriage, she is such a blessing to me.
My mom. I know this sounds like the easy answer, but she has always pointed me to Christ. I remember waking up to get ready for school, and I would walk down the hall and sitting on her she was digging into God’s Word. She’s always prayed the real hard prayers with me. She’s always given me truth when I haven’t wanted to hear it. She has always lived in my ugliest moments. ??
My mom- she’s modeled for me loving, giving, sharing, teaching by example, and always been there with encouragement and support no matter what.
Bonnie is a wonderful example for me in the Faith, she encourages and prays with and for me.
My dear friend, Ellen, has been a mentor to me through so many years of living far from family. She lives far from me know, but she still makes a point to finding time for us to talk and text. She is a life-giving Elizabeth in my life!
A friend of mine who serves her family & others so selflessly & is always encouraging others.
After being somewhat abandoned by my own family, I had multiple women who stepped in & mothered me into the person I am today. Their investment in me changed my family tree ??
I nannied for a lady named Julie when I was in high school and college, and over the years, she became a second mother to me. She taught me so much about being a Gidly woman and taking care of her family and her home. I’m blessed to have a wonderful mom and a wonderful mentor!
My dear friend, Leslie, influences me with her carefree way. I tend to be a worrier and Leslie always reminds me to find joy and let it be God’s worry. I love her for it!
I’ve had several women speak into my life recently so it really comes down to two. Christy Maldoff invited me to be part of a discipleship group and Anne Hooser has led my Bible Study Fellowship group for the past year-and-a-half. Both of these women have opened my heart to extreme healing and I cannot thank them enough. They also rebuke me as necessary. My life is so much better with them in it!!!!
My husband’s job relocated us last year for 6 months. During that time I was expecting our third child. We knew no one in our relocation city. Through our amazing church, we were able to get connected and my children found a home away from home. One of the women of our church, Susan, served as a mentor and encouragement to me during a difficult pregnancy. She even told me she would be “on call” for me 24/7 during the last months of pregnancy (I had a history of preterm labor). She was sorely disappointed that my boys didn’t get to have a sleepover/play date at her house and that my MIL was in town when I went into labor. Susan has been a selfless encouragement to so many women, it is truly one of the many spiritual gift God has blessed her with??
I have been blessed by many women who have inspired me and spoken life into me, especially when I’ve felt completely dead inside. I can’t name just one, but I’m so thankful that God gave me spiritual mothers and sisters to guide me along my journey.
I’d love to win! I’ve been blessed to be mentored by my friend, Laurie. She was a mentor mom with MOPS who has continued her relationship with me as my kids have grown.
A close friend of mine was a great mentor and encouragement during a tough time in my life. She had such a strong faith, even though she was going through some tough things herself.
I love this! I’m so thankful to have had a few older women invest in me over the years. Lisa was one woman that discipled/mentored me during college. To this day when I hear certain verses or things that people say I remember the way Lisa talked, taught and showed me how to live.
Catherine is a beautiful godly women in my life.
I am so excited to hear that you are one of the contributors, Amanda!! I asked for one for Christmas and I am so looking forward to receiving it. The Bible I have been using for the past several years was recently “fixed” with duct tape by my son because the back cover had fallen off. I plan to give a Bible to each of my children with my notes when they graduate from High School. The duct tape one will probably go to my son! This one, I intend to pass along to one of my daughters.
Long comment, but wanted to let you know that I am grateful for you! Thanks for your faithfulness in sharing your wisdom and insight.
Becky, you always bless me! Thank you for your encouraging friendship thru the years!
My sweet friend and classroom aide, Kayla, is super encouraging to me. Not only does she help me in class, but we are spurring each other on in our Christian walk and journey to healthier ladies.
I am grateful for Jenny. She has helped me see I need to surrender to God daily and give my worries to Him. She is truly a blessing to me!
My precious friend, Virginia, introduced me to Bible journaling about two years ago and we have now taught 3 semesters of it to middle and high schoolers. It has been my honor to work alongside her and teach these girls (and even one guy) the joys of Bible journaling and walking closer to God.
There have been many especially since the complicated birth and diagnosis of my child over four years ago. But mainly my sweet ‘new’ grandma over 1000 miles away who prays for us, lends an ear, brings devotionals and visits twice a year. She helps out where she can, always makes sure we have warm hats and even taught my little to do somersaults!
My sweet friend Rebekah!! She’s been there through thick and thin, and constantly reminds me to stay focused on Christ ??
Heather is a mentor mom in my MOPS group. She is just awesome! I just love to talk to her.
My sweet strong mother-in-law has been a huge spiritual influence on me. She has brought me closer to Jesus and has given me great confidence in my mothering and my marriage through glorifying God. <3
It’s one of the hardest seasons in my life with my husband (the bread winner) losing his job/faith, both kids being diagnosed/evaluated for autism, and the Lord humbling me through depression/anxiety. However, it’s been the best season for me spiritually thanks to the faithful women God has placed in my life. I’d lose my mind without Sara and Jessica reminding me of God’s truth!
I have quite a lot of godly women in my life now, which has been a major change over the past 10 years.
Over the years, I’ve had several women who have modeled a life of faith through difficult days. If I had to pick one, I’d say Debbie because her faith during great trials has shown me that I can do it, too.
I would have to say that Sue is the most spirituallly influential woman in my life. We have children the same age yet she is ten years older than me and I’ve always loved her wisdom. She is the one I’ve gone to when the major things have happened in my life. I’m so very appreciative of her guidance!!
My mother in law. Is such an inspiration to me. She has been through so much, but somehow after everything she is now counseling others in their pain. She was so brave.
I amblessed to be surrounded by a family of strong Godly women who examplify God’s love.
I have a few women that have been influential in my life. First and foremost my mom. Even when at 40 she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and she looked at me and smiled and said “have faith, I know I will beat cancer or I will go home with my Father and live forever”. She never once waiverd or had pity for herself. She was brave and confident when God finally called her home. I’ll never forget when she passed and I heard her last words “I’ll see you again”
I have a wonderful and Godly friend Lauren who has been a blessing in my life. She makes me laugh and listens to me cry. She hears me out when I have doubts or questions without judgement.
I have moved a lot and I too have been gifted with many godly women. Some of these woman are older than me and I feel like they are mothers and mentors. One woman in particular embarked on the same sad and scary journey of miscarriage. We both were far from family and dear friends! We both know God formed this friendship at just the right time so we could encourage and pray together and for each other.
It’s cliche, but definitely my mom. She leads by example and reflects godliness in all she does!
I have had the priviledge of being reminded and encouraged by Godly women in my life who through a very tough week have kept encouraging me in God’s Word and to keep my eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith.
When I was younger an older Christian also called Sarah took me under her wing and encouraged me hugely in my faith. This experience as well as others has grown a love to Look out for and mentor those younger than me. We are always older than someone.
Miss Margie – a dear family friend when growing up
My Mom, sister, grandmothers and aunts they’ve never been scared to ask the tough questions but also give LOADS of love and support!
I have a support group of wonderful Christian women who have lifted me up and reminded me of Jesus’ love and helped me find some footing in an otherwise fearful long term period of suffering and chaos.
I have been so influenced by my Aunt because of the circumstances we both walk in. She has suffered with Lyme disease and cancer 4 times and has recently been told the cancer will never go away, it can only be managed at this point. I have been suffering from my own health things with chronic illness for several years now and my aunt has been such and inspiration to me in how to life a full and wonderful life for God despite having a broken and unhealthy body. She has shown me that God can use the most broken and helpless of people in all walks and circumstances to do the greatest things for Him and to bring honor and Glory to His beautiful name.
My friend Vickie is a prayer warrior and such an example of depending on the Lord each day.