As I sat listening to Dianne introduce the ministry the Lord led her to develop, I thought, “I wish this ministry had been available to me as a young married and new mom.” Back then, I approached several older women and asked if they would be available to disciple me, and/or a small group of young moms. Each time, they declined. My heart was hungry for discipleship. Dianne’s ministry would have been my dream come true! Secrets Savored demonstrates how the Bible is alive and applicable today. Learning from the lives of women in Scripture, avoiding their mistakes, seeing how the Lord used them to fulfill His plan, is truly invaluable.
Raised in a godly home and church, I knew all of the answers from Scripture. However, being able to apply the head knowledge with an obedient heart required accountability. Having godly wisdom and being held accountable for what that person has heard defines discipleship. The value of an older mentor is priceless impacting generations. “Mentor” is defined as a “coach, teacher, or trainer.” As a society, we are conscientious about being prepared. Desiring to be successful, we educate ourselves through reading, attending classes, and seeking counsel. In Hebrews 12, the life of a Christian is likened to that of a race. The requirements seem simple until you actually start running. The hurdles on the track appear to get higher and more frequent. A coach knows the game or race and can effectively train and equip the athlete.
With each generation, the role of a woman is redefined. However, our Creator intentionally and purposefully created woman. Scripture demonstrates woman was God’s idea, likewise the role He designed for us to fulfill. Titus 2 commands older women to “urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Having a “coach” encourage and pray for you as you carry out your role fulfills what 1 Timothy 4:6-8 says, “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Discipleship affects generations! I pray the young women participating in the Secrets Savored ministry will treasure the opportunity they have to hear from godly women who seek to help them fulfill their God-given roles!
Alexis Brown