#shereadstruth ~ Spiritual mother

I am doing a devotional from #shereadstruth studying the small book of Titus. This organization sends daily email devotionals and often leaves you with a writing assignment. 

"How is spiritual mothering already taking place in your community? Has a godly woman influenced you in your growth in the Gospel, or has mentoring a young believer impacted your life? How would you like to see Titus 2 shape your relationships moving forward?"


As some of you may know, I love teaching kids about Jesus. About a year and a half ago, I was given the opportunity to serve in the children's church at my church. I know, kids? volunteer? a lot of me was scared. I knew I loved kids and that I could wrestle with them. I have a little brother and sister in elementary school, so I knew some of the basics. I assumed I would take some kids to the bathroom and wipe some noses. Never did I know the impact these kids would have on me. I never took into account that there would be relationships. These kids clung to me. I didn't understand why these children could just love me without knowing me. I soon discovered that they clung so tight because they needed love. They needed a smile. They needed a hug. They needed to see Jesus. Children don't get technical, well not all. They believe you and they believe in you 100%. You don't have to be perfect, just show them you care. Oh my, did I care. You have to be open. Sometimes these kids just talk about their cats or how they found a penny yesterday. It is simple, seems irrelevant, kinda stuff a lot of times. At first I was like okay, okay, okay. I soon realized that these beautiful kids were telling me these stories because I was the only person they could talk to . Some of these children don't have a mother speaking encouragement or grace and forgiveness to them. Some are hurt more than I could even comprehend, but they have that childlike faith. What an amazingly incredible thing it is. I learned that being a "spiritual mother" is loving unconditional. It is giving a Christ like love to someone. It is teaching kindness and encouraging them. Taking the time for them.

In my life I have been so very blessed to have spiritual mothers. One being my own mother. I remember that her answer to any problem is prayer. She is a prayer warrior. When she is upset, she prays. I've heard her so many times in the car, just declaring Jesus' name over every situation. I admire her for replacing tears with prayer. I'll always remember running in her room with tears just streaming down my face and her just saying lets pray about it. I also have been given the blessing of other "spiritual mothers". These women have encouraged me. They have listened to me. Sometimes that is exactly what you need, a verbal affirmation followed with a big hug. Sometimes you just need to tell someone what is going on with your life over a grande Starbucks. Or a person to text and say " please pray for me" and later in the day feel a weight lifted. I could not thank God enough for the women in my life.

Lastly, I find my "spiritual sisters" to be some of my biggest blessings. These girls both older, younger, and my age are so amazing. I find myself with sweet devotional texts so many mornings. Their hugs and caring astonishes me. In Christ, we have a bond much like Paul and Titus. These men were so close due to common faith which includes common hope. These women and girls create a hope in me. A safety. They show Christ's love even if they do not always realize it. They create opportunities and mentor me in everyway. We all are united by OUR savior which picks us up together and allows us to lead others to Christ.

" They are to teach what is good and to train the young women" Titus 2: 4