My Spiritual Mentor

Last night, I attended a meeting discussing women in church leadership. One of the topics discussed by the panel was “Who was your spiritual mentor?” Of course, for me, my answer would have been my mom. She provided a beautiful example of living in Christ during my formative years.

I remember sitting on my mom’s lap at the age of six, asking Jesus to come into my heart. She had tried to discuss Jesus with me a year or so earlier, but all I remember of that exchange is of me asking her where God came from and if He had a mom. Her answers only led to more questions from me, so I think she decided to wait until I was a bit older and could comprehend things more.

One of my fondest memories of my mom is of her studying the Bible. It wasn’t enough for her to read a passage in the Bible and a devotion. No, she dug deep into the Word of God. Two versions of the Bible (one being the Amplified version) sat open on the table next to a Bible dictionary, a concordance, and at least one commentary. She would highlight passages, take notes, and journal her thoughts as she studied. Fully understanding the Word of God was important to her and she emphasized that point to me many times.

She confronted me about my faith, or rather lack of, when necessary. When I was about 18 years old, she sat me down for a discussion and expressed her concern for my spiritual walk. She told me I needed to walk closely with the Lord. Being the know-it-all I was at the time, I didn’t take her seriously. Had I though, the next couple of years would have been easier for me to journey through (another story, another time).

What I learned from her is that being a spiritual mentor is not just in the telling, but also the doing, not just in the easy times, but during the difficult times as well. She walked with me and helped me become who I am today, for which I am eternally grateful. My prayer is that I am offering strong, spiritual guidance for my own children as they grow into adulthood.