Dear Lord, help me to be a true
But Father, let me remember that man does not live by bread alone, that material things but make a proper setting for life's real treasures of mind and spirit. Give me patience and understanding and kindness and humor and love in abundance, and charity for all. May the spirit of happiness, of joys and sorrows shared, of unity, of the peace that passeth understanding linger here! Help me to keep the path to Thee open and easy to find for the little ones in my keeping. And let there be laughter here.
I was raised in a region of the country that farmed floral seeds and produced fields of beautiful flowers spread over an entire valley. One had to travel up a long twisting road with steep curves to arrive at the highest level to view those magnificent acres. It was exciting reaching the top of our "Lookout Point" to see a colorful quilt, covering miles of land. This spread was "tucked in" to the very edges of our little town. Through Christ, we are able to rise above our circumstances and widen our perspective. We therefore observe our spiritual fields objectively. It is not just a cliche that God alone gives "the increase". It is understood when we yield to the call as wives, mothers and daughters. These are hard won battles, fought daily as we bring our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. There is no place for arrogant commentator's, looking down on those working the land as the owner requests.
Last year I was asked by my dear friend, Lydia Sherman (LadyLydia) to write articles for a ministry called Guard the Home, to share what God taught me as an "older woman" and a Home School Veteran. We have spent a great of deal time brain storming over issues and ways to turn our culture back to the original plan for wives and daughter's. In this particular online ministy, we strive to encourage mother's with real issues and the various struggles raising a generation of godly children. We also attempt to help those currently in the thick of battle, who may be dealing with difficult situations. Through studying God's word, living life and working through the many cycles of raising children to adulthood, we have tread many miles in the shoes of a wife and mother. It gives opportunity to share lessons learned and hopefully edify, exhort and give practical help.
I do want to say this with a loving spirit~ many older woman have failed to fulfill their calling to younger women. They have left these dear one's to themselves, perhaps due to fear that their words will not be honored, welcomed or listened to. Maybe it has been pure laziness or self indulgence. These younger ladies have been discouraged and try to help each other by forming groups that give inspiration and answers. Yet it is a shame that "older women" who have been called to this task, neglect their responsibilites. I am not speaking to those who already raised children and now serve their family in another capacity~ which includes teaching younger women. I am addressing all who may need to rekindle and refresh their biblical mandate. May we let go of our past failings and press on. May we strive to be of service to our dear sister's who need our support and watch God move to win a generation back to Him. Let us see the blessing of the Lord!
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" Phil 3:13-14
A young married advisor giving counsel~not yet experienced~to younger ladies may still "ring true" as God's word is faithful, yet there is a particular reason why God directed the "older woman" to teach the younger women. When one has raised children to adulthood with all the varying trials, looking back is "realistic" with an understanding that is lived and felt. It also gives opportunity to the see end results of their work, to reassess what was successful or what should be adjusted with time to work it through. These lessons learned add a multifaceted perspective giving a fuller view. Maturity develops from time in the field, living it out day after day, season after season. I appreciate the excellent online ministries that bring in "older women" to give testimony and impart wisdom. This is wise stewardship of their efforts and time if they are prioritized with husband and family first.Those of us who are older woman, realize the struggle to firmly hold our footing while the dust storms of adversity try to blind us off course. Keeping one's balance and biblical perspective is a prayerful challenge. Rocky terrain, difficult soil's, hard work in severe weather were our class assignments. We learned how children grew best in which types of soil and when to take them from the greenhouse to be cultivated in prepared ground. We also learned from our mistakes, what to avoid, how to handle pestilence and which weeds choke out the growth of our little sprouts. Many times we tripped over own feet or fell in vermin created holes. We spent time on our knees bruised and badly shaken, crying out to God. Christ proved ever faithful, our comfort, strength and our refuge. His love shown trustworthy through years of endeavors and ultimately He won the victory. An older woman is fully aware of her imperfections and failings without dwelling on them as she matures in Christ. It is by the Lord's mercy and grace that we eventually see the fruit of all our labors. Those who have not yet witnessed the harvest, continually labor on through planting, watering and cultivating by faith.
I would like to encourage all the "Older Women" who have a Titus 2:5 mindset and have raised adult sons and daughters in the same vision of faithfulness, to reach out to younger women. We are entrusted with this great responsibility and must consider this as a privilege along with a directive from God. Some of you may feel inadequate to teach younger women or that your failings in life disqualify you. Remember~ Christ is our redeemer, our healer and restores the years that the locusts have eaten away.
So, your life may not be perfect but the "Perfect One" our Lord Jesus, will use you to bless and encourage a younger women to catch a vision of femininity, biblical womanhood and motherhood. Who could better comfort a young struggling mother with compassion and understanding as one who identifies with this trouble? One who learned these lessons later in life, can gently and effectively point ways of avoiding these pitfalls. With love, you can exhort younger women to see feminism for what it really is and how to avoid it even in the church. Your kind words will give inspiration to raise godly daughters and sons with a multigenerational vision of biblical faithfulness.
You can do this in so many creative ways that do not have to take a great deal of time or cost to you and your family. How many opportunities do you have at church, homeschool events or even in town to humbly speak to a younger woman and ask her how she is doing? A listening ear will reveal ways that you can be a blessing. God will tell you what to say and you may save this dear one years of heartache. What a blessing you will be as you share what Jesus has taught you. So ladies, let's link hearts, arms and even some of our sites to each other and rise up against the sweeping winds that want to drive these younger ladies into worldliness and despair.
You are so important and the higher calling to an older woman is clear.
"Older women Likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young woman to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Titus 2:3-4
According to scripture, the passage of time brings forth wisdom, knowledge and biblical qualities that are beautiful in God's eyes as we endeavor to follow His plan. Like the farmer's wife, we continue to look upon the "Lord of the Harvest". Our time on earth is not yet complete, some of the fruits of our labors are still being worked out as we trust and expectantly wait upon Him. Jesus who began a good work, promises to faithfully complete it . "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Phillipians 1:6
I also pray with God's help, to pass what I have learned from "time in the field", biblical study, my husband's wise counsel, lesson's from others and personal observations. I pray "Country Diary of a Twenty First Century Lady" has been an encouragement, inspiration and an applicable blessing to your life. A verse that has been my faithful friend over the years is~
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus"
Phillipians 3:12
With this sincerely and humbly stated, I write to you.
In Christ's love~Lisa Hollinger
(Artwork by W.H. Hinton & Robert Duncan)
