thoughts on becoming a mentor

 A few years ago I got the opportunity to connect with a woman of God I'd admired from afar for years. 

We prayed together. 

Laughed together.

Learned from one another. 

As in any type of relationship, ours was tested by adversity. What started as a small misunderstanding turned into a revealing of characteristics and traits that ultimately ended in a loss of respect and a breach that cannot be repaired .

One thing I've learned is that when God gives you resolve to a situation it is then your responsibility to rid your heart of bitterness, resentment, and pride which can easily form when you feel you've been wronged. Out of respect for who she once was to me, I've made this post very general. 

But for weeks God has been dealing with me about preparing to be a mentor. Several young women come to me from time to time for advice, prayer, or just to talk. Despite the responsibilities I have at home, I try my best to make myself available to be a sounding board for these young ladies. In order for me to grow as a mentor, I have to look back at the mistakes that were made in the relationship I had with my former mentor. All the fault doesn't simply fall on her; I played  a part as well. 

One of the greatest things that has stuck with me in my time of prayer is the reason WHY I lost respect. 

It wasnt because of what happened. It wasnt because she had faults. It was because she stopped GROWING. Through the course of different situations her responses never changed, her attitude never changed, and she took on this "me against the world" persona, as if any one who didnt agree with her opinions was her enemy. 

As a mentor, as a mother, as a wife, and as a friend....I dont ever want to stop growing. I never want to become unteachable. I want to always be willing to admit my mistakes. I never want to be so removed from what I've overcome that I cant help someone else overcome that very same thing. I never want to think "I've arrived". I always want to KNOW that no matter how far Ive come, I've still got a ways to go. 

Comments

[Bliss]

im so very glad to see that you're preparing yourself to be a mentor. ive never had one, but ive felt compelled to prepare myself to answer the call of those who feel i may be able to help them in some way as well. i don't believe i'll be one for quite some time (im only 21), but the right now is always a good time to start. :)

great blog by the way!

~ Bliss
II Timothy 1:7