Mom Time Retreat

On November 6-8, 2015, I’ll host a weekend getaway for young mothers. In the beginning, this seemed like a welcome opportunity for mothers to come together for a time of relaxation, fellowship, and inspiration. I envision them connecting with the older moms who will be helping host— lovingly called the L.O.L.s (the Little Old Ladies)—and I see them bonding with other mothers who are in the same season of life. I imagine them worshipping together, sharing some laughs, and leaving refreshed. I know all this will happen, and yet I sense something more…something bigger, deeper, weightier… I realize God is changing my focus for the purpose of this weekend.

Two weekends ago, the L.O.L.s (Gaile, Becky, Lynda Lee and Joan) and I met together for an overnight at Joan’s home in Gray, GA. Our purpose was to get to know one another and to let  the Holy Spirit prepare us for the November weekend. As we shared our thoughts and perceptions, we agreed  this upcoming event will involve deeper challenges than we originally thought. Collectively, we realized we have to inspire the mothers to rear their children to be warriors for Christ. In order to do that, some attitudes must be in place first, such as…

Respect for our husbands. Understanding God’s plan for order in the home. This might be a challenge because there will be single moms here for the weekend. There will be husbands who might not be aware of their spiritual responsibility, but we’ll address those issues with the leading of the Spirit.

The absolute infallibility of the scriptures. We know some ministers and Christian leaders are re-interpreting the Word of God. We have to challenge these moms not to succumb to compromise. How do we prepare ourselves to be countercultural?

In short, what do we as older mentoring moms tell these precious young women? We pray that the girls (and all of us) will have positive, hopeful, encouraging takeaway. We want them to leave with renewed desire to fulfill the role God has for them. We want them to be joyful mothers, filled with hope for the future. But we can’t kid ourselves and disregard the trends that are taking place in our culture. 

This time of preparation to lead the young mothers is proving to be challenging to me. I’ve had to reinforce my own convictions and comfort from God’s Word. I’ve refreshed myself with the promises He has given us. In a phone conversation with our oldest son, he reminded me that when we have a spiritual principle operating in our own life, we can speak with authority that it be replicated in someone else’s life. I guess this is like knowing we’re one the right path so  we can show someone else the way. In truth, we can’t lead someone to a place we’ve never been.

So I’m praying for the Truth to be operational in my own Christian walk. I’m praying for courage, and conviction, and confidence. And I pray I can convey these attitudes to those young women who will come in November.