SENIOR MOMENTS (with God): Women's Stories about Aging with God

Who influences you or has influenced you to be a better woman? Have you ever experienced the joy of being around women who make you laugh, feel smarter than you are, share wisdom, or just listen? That is described in Proverbs 27:17 as "iron sharpening iron." Enjoy Beverly sharing her story about the woman whom she favors for God's glory.

As we prepare to celebrate and remember Mother's Day, many will recite Proverbs 31:25-30: Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

While a beautiful verse, I often fall so very short of this description as a mom. I became a mother at 51, so I could not blame youth on my mistakes. I did not always open my mouth with wisdom either. Kindness was not always on my tongue. However, I did and do love my daughter fiercely. When she came into my life, I realized what it was like to have my heart walking around the room daily. I wanted to protect that heart so much. I wanted to be that woman of Proverbs. Thank God, though, that she loves me in spite of my shortcomings and mistakes as a mom. Thank God that HE loves me through it all as well.

For those who are not mothers, we are called to be encouragers and teachers of young moms, to be helpers of our sisters in Christ, to be teachers of the children in our churches. We have such love to share, do we not?

Jane, at her daughter's baby shower, really babies' shower (twins), felt God led her to share her experiences and insights and love. It is a precious story with sweet chapters. Enjoy the humor and sorrow as Jane encourages us in her story for God's glory.

I see so many women in my neighborhood, at the store, at the movies who wear the Muslim covering of the Hijab. I admit when I do, I feel my heart race a little faster and feel a quick jolt of fear. Oh, how I would love to share Jesus with each woman. I want to share because the outward wearing of the Hijab overtly tells all about a belief that does not know Jesus, yet I want to share His love. Like many of you, I do not. I look away.

Shame on me.

After hearing Astou's story you will understand why it is so important not to fear. Astou's friend prayed over her for seven years! Seven years she shared the love of Jesus. She did not back away because of Astou's Muslim faith and culture, but pursued her soul out of love.

Astou heard Jesus' name three times while away from a crowd, away from her friends and family. He called to her. When she accepted Jesus into her life, her family threatened her life and left her. For years, she has prayed and sought to reconnect with her family, yet she still follows Jesus.

What is our response to hearing Jesus' call to share with others outside our faith, outside our culture, outside our comfort? Listen to Astou and reflect on our call from Jesus.

Her story for God's glory...