During a recent trip to see my daughter, we visited with a young woman I mentored years ago who is now a spiritual big sis to my daughter. The three of us enjoyed a fun dinner night out in LA together. Our lively conversation reminded me of the joy that overflows from a mentoring relationship.
In my book, Gracious Living, a chapter is dedicated to the importance of mentoring. I’d like to share a story from it: “I was reading 2 Kings 7 recently and came across the story of four lepers suffering in the time of famine. They concluded they would die where they were, so they might as well risk going to the enemy camp of the Arameans who might spare them.
“As the lepers entered the enemy camp, they discovered empty tents and abandoned horses. Scripture tells us, ‘When these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they entered one tent and ate and drank, and carried from there silver and gold and clothes, and went and hid them; and they returned and entered another tent and carried from there also, and went and hid them’ (2 Kings 7:8). Reading this, I quickly sensed a summons in my spirit: This is what the women in your generation have done, Margaret! They have eaten and drunk of My goodness and gathered treasures of Mine but have hidden them.
“Talk about a head thump! Whether through insecurity or selfishness, my generation of women has journeyed intimately with Christ but hidden those treasures. What a loss! The four lepers in 2 Kings finally came to their senses. ‘We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent…let us go and tell.’ (2 Kings 7:9)
“It’s time for us to come to our senses too. I believe a movement is rising for mature women to invest in younger generations and to mentor these women into spiritual maturity. It’s time for us to go and tell! We possess a treasure map leading to riches in Christ, and we must share it.” (Gracious Living, pp. 164-165)
In these crazy Covid days, many people hunger for community and discipleship. I have never regretted investing in someone’s walk with God. And sometimes, that person then grows up to mentor and inspire our own children—oh my goodness! Such joy. Who is investing in your spiritual life, dear friend? And how are you coming alongside other believers? Your life is a treasure to share.
Join the many groups of women going through my book Gracious Living together. You can find it at www.MargaretAllen.org or anywhere that books are sold.