Peanut butter and Jelly are comfort food to me like friends who comfort. There are sweet jelly times and sticky, gooey, salty moments with a few crushed nuts added. A tall glass of milk or your favorite refreshing beverage helps the sandwich bites to go down.
I have been blessed with older women who mentor, and we learn from each other. Our relationship is not about speaking in pride or being a know-it-all. It is about vulnerably sharing life’s lessons. I was transparent or realistic about my struggles and asked the Lord to bring me into a relationship with someone who understands my life’s struggles.
However, it took a while for me to trust another with my times of failure. Choosing who to trust can bring fear. Thankfully, we can pray for the Lord to direct our relationship.
There is something about dropping the perfection label. More younger moms would be blessed if more women in the trenches can be real and drop the mask of perfection.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT) says:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
I believe it helps when we feel most alone, and God brings another mom who parented before us across our path. She may have gained wisdom through moments similar to our own. If they are willing to share trials and how God helped them overcome, it empowers me to overcome.
Thank your sisters and brothers who have comforted you. If you have not felt a connection with anyone who can mentor, I pray that you will bump into your Godly mentors soon.
We grow most when we trust Him more.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for Sisters and Brothers in Christ that encourage and speak your truth, that pray and reflect you, Jesus, on this earth. You are an awesome God!
Author: Mary Mesikapp
Mary Mesikapp is a lover of nature, sunsets, mountain drives, and hikes. Mom of 4 (through blessings of open adoption, and our foreign exchange daughter from Brazil), previous Trauma / Emergency room Nurse, past Director of a Pregnancy Resource Center, student of the Bible as study leader and mentor.
Mary has spoken in schools and in churches about life purpose. She learns more about Jesus every day especially through the challenges and looks forward to encouraging women and families to be strong and steadfast in relationships and life.
You can connect with Mary on her website @inspiringlightthroughthecracks
I agree!
The old saying, “it takes a village” is still true today. It is critical to have a God-appointed community that can help guide us through life.