Spiritual Mothering From Afar
Before the term "spiritual mother" became a popular term, Elisabeth Elliot mothered and mentored thousands of women through her teachings and writings. Though I have never met her, I consider myself one of her "spiritual daughters." A number of years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a women's retreat in California for a church whose pastor's wife was Elisabeth's daughter, Val. During a break I tried to express my thanks to Val for her mother's influence in my life and Val asked, "Have you ever told her yourself?" I guess my silence conveyed my confusion (Me personally contact the renowned Elisabeth Elliot? No way!) because Val continued, "Sharon, my mother doesn't understand why anyone would want to read her books or listen to her speak. She often questions why God has given her this calling and she needs encouragement as much as anyone else. You should write her a note and tell her what you think."
Mind you, my theme for the weekend was Treasures of Encouragement, messages based on my book where I teach how to be a biblical encourager! As soon as I arrived home, I sent Elisabeth a note in which I tried to communicate her godly influence on me. Within a week, I received a personal response thanking me for reaching out to her.
When a young woman complains that she cannot find a spiritual mother, I encourage her to attach herself to women like Elisabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael, and other women (living and dead) who have helped shape me through their lives, books, and teachings. I tell them to read their books, listen to their seminars, take opportunities to study their lives and learn how to reflect redemption through their teachings and examples. I try to convey this counsel in one of the chapters in my book, Treasures of Encouragement. Months after the death of our son, Mark, I struggled with grief and a loneliness that I couldn't define. I had no new words to describe my feelings so concluded it was useless to cry to a faithful friend one more time. But I needed a friend. I pulled one of Susan Hunt's books off of our shelf, built a fire in the fireplace and snuggled on the sofa under a thick afghan. I hungrily read every word, looking for something that would give me hope for the next moments. I don't remember what book I read or even the core message but I came away with this exhortation:
Your circumstances are your platform for glorifying Christ. In the years since, when I have wanted to give up, that core truth confronts me with a choice shaped by God's Word. Though Susan was not physically in the room with me that day, she mothered and nurtured me with God's eternal purposes.
Elisabeth Elliot can mentor you through the wonders of technology when you sign up for her devotional through Back to the Bible. I just read one of her classic pieces, A Man Moves Toward Marriage.It's a keeper that I plan to share with our grandsons as they mature.
Who has nurtured and mothered you from afar?
In His Grip,
Sharon
(Originally Posted At : February 13, 2009 9:24 AM | Posted By : Sharon Betters)