The Sunday-school answer would be: Jesus!
Absolutely!.... and.... Jesus gave us each other - to encourage, teach, exhort, pray, nurture, love. This could be called mentoring or making disciples. Every example Christ shows us in scripture are relational. It is clear to intentionally walk along side someone - pouring into their lives - relationally - growing together - in praise of who loved us first.
Sounds a bit on the spiritual side, doesn't it? But, isn't that what relationships are all about? Why else would we want to pour into someone's life just for the sake of being good? If it wasn't for Jesus - there would be less reason to love one another, to pray for another, to teach in the ways of God, to help the poor, to do good to those who hurt us, to practice true religion by helping the widows and orphans....all gives the glory to God.
Has Jesus changed my life through others? I think so....
Ruth - she was our children's god-mother many years ago. It's been about 10 years now since cancer claimed her life, but her love for our Lord, compassionate nature, prayerful example, sticks with me today. Ruth raised three incredible sons with her husband John. All unique in personality and challenges. She mothered with grace and much prayer. A lasting memory of someone who always thought of others first.
Gwen - spoke at a women's retreat I attended while still a young mom. I didn't personally know this woman of strength, but having raised a large family, I desired to learn more from this incredible example of a mother of many. A story I recall from this specific retreat was of her young daughter who would walk around with a scowl on her face. One day, Gwen caught her own expression in a mirror - a deep frown. From that moment on, she strategically placed mirrors throughout her home so she could check her countenance throughout the day and purposed to show a peaceful expression to her children. As this seasoned mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother ages, her face continues to radiate youthfulness.
Suzy - has stood with me through incredible days. Since our children were young, we developed an instant bond. She is that woman who has put up with my ramblings, my tirades, my insecurities, my complaining, and more. What kind of friend does that, and still loves you? That is Suzy. Because of her grace towards me, I learned more about the depths of friendship and loyalty. A precious sister in many, many ways.
Angie - a woman of determination who pushes beyond her fears. I want to be like this woman when I grow up. Angie has shown me, as an African-American, what forgiveness is like; what it means to love those who hate you, and pray for those who hurt you. She has demonstrated for me a resolve to overcome what hinders us by faith in Jesus Christ.
Then, there's my mom, Sally, Gay, Cathy, each of my daughters (yes, even my daughters have poured into my life!), Aunts, Cousins, and so many others I could write volumes about.
My list isn't complete without Carol whom I met 31 years ago....the day before it was discovered I was to have twins. She and Tim just arrived back to the States on a furlough from Zambia. They came to our small Bible study group that memorable evening. This was also a "small-world" meeting - Tim is a brother to Peter, the high school youth pastor when Ron and I were in youth group. The other precious "coincidence": Tim & Carol are both twins.
I was in my 7th month of pregnancy that night we met. The next morning, I began to experience symptoms - early labor pains - too soon for twins - requiring me to get to the hospital right away. A sonogram was ordered immediately. It wasn't long, and the doctor walks in with a smile on his face - "There's two!" he gleams. Twins! From that day forward strict bed rest was required - 8 weeks to go.
Our small group learned of these developments, and Carol immediately came over to encourage me. She continued to come every Tuesday. A bond deepened between us. Carol became an important mentor in my early days as a mom - and continues even today. Although we rarely see each other because of their work out of country and on the other side of this continent, we remain close - our reunions are sweet.
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There are more stories to be told.
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