L. M. Montgomery writes, “Imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery.”
From an early age, I have constantly been told, “You are a role model for those younger than you. Even if you do not know it, they are watching you.” Boy, is this statement true. I probably never fully grasped this until my early high school years when I became the captain of my cheer leading squad. Those younger than you will learn from you, and you will leave an impression; good or bad, Christ-like or not Christ-like.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Sweet girls I mentor at my graduation party.
I also learn from those that are younger than me. One of the biggest blessings of being a babysitter is being reminded what it is like to have a child-like faith. I wrap myself so much in trying to gain Bible knowledge and in the process completely dismiss the simplicity of the Gospel.
My ultimate purpose for writing this blog post is in regards to mothers and women that are older than nineteen. It dawned on my yesterday just how much I observe the moms I know. I watch how they interact with their kids, with their husbands, and with others in general. I observe who they are and what is it like to be a wife, mother of three, and still embrace their unique individuality. This is not meant to intimidate any mothers I babysit for, but to use as a reminder that younger women are observing and learning from you.
“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 women 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 2:3-5
My grandmother and I at my graduation party.
By no means am I marrying anytime soon. But, if God’s will, in the future I do hope to marry a man who genuinely loves God. And at this point in my life I am learning about being a woman of God, and what that really looks like. The women I observe are my teachers, though they may have no idea.
Again, this is a short message to the mothers/older women in my life now, and the mothers/older women to come.
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:2-6
Mothers/older women, please know that I admire your love for God and your love for your families.
Never forget that younger women are learning and watching.
My Bible study leaders who have made an incredible impact on my life.
P.S. I also wanted to mention briefly that I’m not only watching these incredible women, but I’m observing the males in my life as well. Do they find their identity in Christ? How do they treat women in general? If they are a husband and father, how do they interact with their wife and kids? The older I become, the more I realize just how significant it is to marry a man who is passionately and genuinely seeking to live for Christ. And I hope to marry a man similar to my dad and older brother.
My older brother. Him and his girlfriend are an excellent example of a godly dating relationship. I learn so much from him.
So blessed to call this man my father. He leads his family with Christ as the center, and taught me that God is always faithful.
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