Titus 2:3-5 “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

This colorway is lovingly named for the head Mentor in our MOPS program, where I am on the steering team. Wilma has willingly served us “young” ladies for 3 years, and over those 3 years, I’ve come to love and admire her greatly. A couple of weeks ago, she wore this lovely sweater that I knew would be a beautiful colorway. It was periwinkle, with purple and black argyle pattern on it. I decided then that I could honor her by naming this yarn after her and telling the world what a wonderful influence she has been to me.

One of my favorite aspects to MOPS is the fact that we have mentors available. This is my 4th year in MOPS and each year, I’ve been blessed with an amazing mentor. I’ve had opportunities to get to know four older women, and each of these women and all of our mentors embody the command of Titus 2.

Joyce always has a smile and an encouraging word, even despite caring for a sick husband and her own battle with breast cancer. Linda is so gracious and even threw me a surprise baby shower when I was expecting my 2nd baby. Pat is the queen of hospitality. She is always joyful in everything she does. And Wilma- well, her passion for the Lord is evident in everything she does. She serves the Lord and gives to Him out of a willing and obedient heart. And now in my 3rd year on steering, I can honestly say that Wilma has become a “mother of my heart.” She has guided my heart toward the Lord with her words, prayers and actions. I could go on and on about the hearts of our wonderful mentors. Each has been chosen because she displays the characteristics of a Titus 2 woman. And each has served in such an amazing way.

You see, the first part of this verse commands the older women to basically check their behavior. Are they modeling Christ in their lives? If they are not, they can not teach the younger generation. Thankfully, all of the women who have graciously taken on the task of mentoring at MOPS this year (and in the past) have gone above and beyond this call.

The verse then tells the older women to “teach” and “encourage” the younger women to live Godly lives at home. The older women’s times with young children afoot are past. Yet, in mothering themselves (and surviving it) they have grown and gained much wisdom. The mentors are here because they love us, care about us, want to see us flourish in motherhood, and above all- to serve Christ in everything they do.

I think the younger generations of today are missing out by not getting to know our “seasoned” women. Each and every one of these ladies is amazing and wants to bless us in numerous ways. You may or may not have a mentor at your table this year. But each and every one of them still desires to see all of us be fruitful in our lives. So my challenge for you today is to think about this verse. Are you following the commands of God here? If not, who can you turn to who can aid you in your pursuit of the honor of God? Look around today. There are “mentors” available to every young woman. I pray that you may find someone who you can call a “mother of your heart.”

You can learn about a MOPS near you at:  http://www.mops.org/