The teenager was unmarried and pregnant. She had experienced incredible emotional highs and lows during the last several days. We don’t know what emotions were swirling inside Mary as she raised her hand to knock on the door. But we do know that less than five minutes inside that door, she experienced a joy and confidence unexpected in one so young. Only a few moments in Elizabeth’s presence and Mary burst into a magnificent song of praise to God, recorded for us in Luke 1:46-55. What happened between these two women is the essence of spiritual mothering.
Though Mary and Elizabeth are powerful examples, they are not the ultimate reference point for spiritual mothering. To use God as the reference point is not to feminize God but to relate all of life to Him. God compares Himself and the church to a mother (Is 66:10-14a). The person who experiences this motherly affection and protection rejoices and flourishes.
Susan Hunt, in her book Spiritual Mothering, quotes the 18th century poet Matthew Arnold, “If ever the world sees a time when Christian women shall come together purely and simply to encourage and equip other women to live for God’s glory, it will be a power such as the world has never seen.” Hunt added the word “Christian” to women because coming together purely and simply is impossible except for the power of grace working in their lives. The love of Christ compels such women as they remember over and over that they are forgiven sinners living under the constant banner of Christ’s righteousness for them. This, and many other countless blessings Christ has given to us, grows that desire to give people the love of Christ.
Is God your reference point? Does He have supremacy in your life? If so, you have much to offer younger woman. Begin praying for an opportunity. Also seek out an older woman who displays this kind of focus in her life and learn from her.
Used by permission.
