IMPORTANT: VACANCIES MUST BE FILLED (Guest writer)


The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--  that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient (subject)  to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. (Titus 2 verses 3 – 5)

Who are the older women?
No particular age range is specified, but it can encompass women who from their 30’s to the 90’s! If you are older, or have been a believer for longer, then you have much to give to those who are younger (in age or spiritual maturity) than you. Characteristic behaviour is clearly defined: they are not frivolous or given to empty talk – they have a Biblical world view.  They are not given to much wine, and are free from self-indulgencing behaviours but rather displaying self-control. 

Singleness does not exclude you! You still can have many skills which can be passed on to those who are younger than you!


What do they need to do/teach?
Sound doctrine, combined with helpful instruction in regard to home, husband, children and Christ-like behaviour are covered. Providing accountability in areas of difficulty – for example, an older woman can encourage a younger woman in her use of social media and the time this takes up in her life which could therefore be robbing her God, family, or employer of time that should be theirs and keep checking in with her about how she is managing with this. Having a listening ear, an encouraging spirit, and a willingness to nurture are all vital ingredients. 


When should they teach?
Teaching can be formal instruction, or study, but for others this teaching can be as informal as weekly/regular phone calls, or visits over a meal. 


How should they teach?
By modelling behaviour, by praying together, by showing/teaching house-keeping skills/shortcuts, by providing a listening ear followed by gentle instruction, and much more.


Why should they teach?
So why couldn’t Titus teach women – women teaching women matters that relate to areas of life that are uniquely female makes much more sense! The older woman no matter their marital status has life experience, combined with time spent studying the Word, which can be of great help to the younger woman to assist her in her goal of living life for God’s glory. Ultimately, the older woman should desire to support the younger woman to be a model of Christ to the world, so that God’s word is not blasphemed.

Younger women often look for help – biological mothers are often “too close” to provide objective help – with knowing how to live as a Christian in a practical sense – housekeeping, in relationships, mothering children of their own, budgeting, cooking, and much more – an older woman from her experience can be of immense value!


Helpful reading on this topic:
Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Martha Peace – this is a thoroughly researched tool which can be used to train older women to successfully mentor younger women. As a sequel to Martha Peace’s book, The Excellent Wife, it is wonderful reading for the woman who wants to put her beliefs into action to help the body of Christ. Practical, and absolutely Biblical, this book leaves nothing out!

“Just as it would never occur to you to pass by someone in need of immediate medical
help, it should never occur to us to pass by someone in need of spiritual help.
The younger women are begging for this help. God requires it. 
Every woman who is not obedient to God’s Word is shamefully dishonouring Him.”

Spiritual Mothering by Susan Hunt – Practical and Biblical, this book sets out the mandate found in the Bible for all women to take part in nurturing relationships with younger women, not for self-fulfillment but for the glory of God.

“Spiritual mothering is when a woman possessing faith and spiritual maturity enters into a nurturing relationship with a younger woman in order to encourage and equip her to live for God’s glory.”


*****


Guest Writer: Betsy (my cousin) is a young mum of two gorgeous children which she has just started to home school. She is a busy lady as keeper of her home, a wonderful helper to her husband, but also takes care of her sister and father.

*****

Comments

  1. Hello Jo, This was very sweet to read this morning. I think it was very well written and I loved all the advice. I just hope as Mothers we can be that example to our own daughters. But I think it is wise to encourage our own daughters to have other relationships with older women to help them on their life, long journey to being a Titus 2 women themselves. Blessings to you both! I also loved the photo! Yours, Roxy

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    1. Thankyou Roxy - the top photo is of my Aunt as a young lady (Betsy's great-Aunt) with my great aunt (Betsy's great-great-aunt). The great-aunt played an important role in my mother's life and her sisters, if only we all had an Aunt Dora who was so wise.

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  2. It's too bad that there aren't more women around who can BE such a woman in our lives. And so often, women who *could* be qualified are afraid to speak up because in the past their advice has been shunned or rejected due to today's peer mentality. :( I'm very thankful to have several Titus 2 women in my life though; I greatly value their input in my life! :)

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    1. I was only thinking of the women in my life that I would call Titus 2 women (i.e. older, wise and Godly) and I struggled, partly because any of the wonderful women I did have have since died (referring to my wise Aunts). I think I was born at the wrong end of my generation :(

      But sadly I think we are seeing the decline of these women in society for the reasons you list, but I also think women these days fill their days up with so much "stuff" that they don't have the time they once had.

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  3. Beautifully written, the perfect way to start my morning! We so need godly women in our lives, those of all ages. We have so much to offer and learn from each other if we just take the time for one another. I am so thankful for the mentors, godly women in my life...such a blessing!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. We certainly do need more godly women as role models and not all the celebrities that seem to be the latest thing to follow, with their loose morals, many marriages, immodest clothing and certainly not christian behaviour. Thankyou so much for dropping by :)

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  4. It seems the best example of an older woman should be her mother in the way she raises her daughters to be godly women. If they see a godly wife and mother their whole lives and are raised and trained by her, it seems like it would be SO much easier to grow up and be a godly wife and mother, instead of trying to become one when we are adults! "Train up a child in the way they should go..." Wonderful post!

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    1. I was very fortunate to not only have a godly mother, but wonderful aunts who all demonstrated what a godly mother, wife an woman should look like. Sadly some daughters no longer have their mothers (such as my guest writer) and it makes life some much tougher. Sadly for me, my aunts have gone to heaven and my mother is not longer well and in a nursing home - it leaves quite a gap in older female role models.

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  5. Thank you for this thoughtful post. Blogging is an excellent way for the older women to teach and encourage the younger women. I love the picture of you aunt and great-aunt too.

    Lesley

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    1. I've learnt a lot from blogging - so many wise and thoughtful women out there to encourage and share the wisdom.

      Thankyou for dropping by.

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  6. Great post! My mother in law was a wonderful mentor in my life, teaching me the practical things in homemaking that can make your days smoother. I didn't realize her effect until I started hearing how others lacked certain skills... I was very grateful. But little did she know that her quiet example was influencing me in biblical womanhood as well. May we all be a blessing to others who are seeking womanly wisdoms, practical or spiritual. Thanks for sharing this at the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

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    1. Those who have had mentors in their lives are so blessed as so many do not (as you say) - my mother taught me everything I know and it was backed up by my wonderful aunts who were such godly women. If only our younger women can have the same sorts of Titus 2 women that we have enjoyed.

      Blessings for the coming weekend.

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  7. Loved this post...thank you for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Connie

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    1. Thanks for visiting: So glad you liked this post, do did I - my guest writer was right on the mark.

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