Food for Thought by Marcia Dixon MBE

GROWING WISER TO HELP OTHERS

I am amazed at my journey from usually being one of the youngest women in the room, to now being one of the oldest. It’s a journey everyone undergoes and it’s called ‘getting older’.

However, what’s great is that when I read Scripture it associates ageing with growing wiser, so I agree with those individuals who, instead of saying “I’m growing older” instead state “I am getting wiser.”

This is a positive way to view ageing, as it signifies that getting wiser should translate into being a person of understanding and experience, someone who has something of worth and value to share with their peers, as well as with the younger generation.

Titus 2 encourages older women to teach younger women that which is good. It’s something I have tried to do as I’ve grown ‘wiser’, and thankfully, in most instances, what I’ve shared has been appreciated.

I believe it’s so important for older women to make that effort to impart wisdom to their younger counterparts.

When an individual is young, whether in age or in their faith – and even when they are older – they need information and guidance on how (i) to live a life that honours God; (ii) to overcome the challenges they will experience; and (iii) to achieve their goals. Of course, it’s possible for an individual to work things out for themselves, but it’s so much easier and quicker to learn – and get to where one wants to go – when they learn from those who have been there, done that, and worn the T-shirt.

One of the best examples in Scripture of an older woman teaching a young woman is found in the book of Ruth, which tells the story of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi migrated with her husband, two sons and their wives to Moab to escape the famine in Judah. Whilst in Moab, Naomi experienced tragedy. Her husband died, and her sons, who had married Moabite women, died also. When Naomi heard that the famine in Judah had ended, she returned with her two daughters-in-law. One of them, Orpah, decided to return to her own people while Ruth chose to stay with Naomi. It turned out to be a great decision.

Naomi provided Ruth with mentoring and advice which resulted in her finding a second husband and giving birth to Obed, who is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

The example of Ruth and Naomi highlights the benefit of transgenerational relationships – a relationship characterised by mutual respect and a willingness of the older woman to share from her wealth of knowledge and understanding to help a young woman achieve her goals and purpose. The young woman must be willing to learn.

Can you imagine how much more fruitful, accomplished and fulfilled women would be in their spiritual life, relationships, professional life and in themselves if older women poured into them? And remember, we are all simultaneously younger and older women – so we can learn and listen, as well and instruct and share at any time in our lives.

As we grow wiser, let’s look for opportunities to be a blessing to the younger women we meet, and in so doing be our sister’s keeper.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE

Anyone who wants to achieve any measure of success must pay attention to their mindset. Scripture makes this clear in Proverbs 23:7, ‘For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.’ Our mindset – and how we view ourselves – is a key determinant of our life outcomes.

One good thing about being a Christian is that God’s unconditional love for us serves as a self-confidence boost. Plus, it’s comforting to know that He is our refuge, strength and support, and that He has gifted us the Holy Spirit to direct us in all things.

Life experiences, such as rejection, trauma, ill-health and even bereavement, can shake our self-belief and how we view ourselves, but words of life contained in the Scriptures can help us get back on the right track.

Below are some Bible verses that will encourage you, remind you how God’s sees you, boost your thoughts about yourself, and remind you of the role God wants to play in your life.

Psalm 139:14 – ‘I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: ‘marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 23:1 – ‘The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.’

Philippians 4:13 – ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Joshua 1:9 – ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.’

Mark 9:23 – ‘And Jesus said to him, “If you can? All things are possible for one who believes.”’

Amen.