Over a decade ago I did something I’d never done before. It was kinda crazy and not at all me. I asked a woman I barely knew to be my mentor. Phew! I knew of her. I knew people who knew her. She wasn’t a complete stranger, but I don’t think I’d ever had a one-on-one conversation with her. One evening after hearing her speak, I sensed God directing me to inquire if she would consider mentoring me. I knew it was God. I had had a deep desire in me to have an older, wiser, been-there-and-done-that woman speak deeply into my life. I believed God was telling me This is her.

So I wrote her a card and told her about myself, where I’d been, and where I thought God was taking me and would she consider mentoring me.

She replied back to me—Yes!

My mentor has made a huge impact in my life. She is wise. She is honest with me. She cares deeply for me and about what’s best for me. She never pushes her agenda. She cares deeply about my family.

I believe every woman would be greatly blessed by having and being a mentor. Why don’t we have these mentoring relationships? It’s biblical. Titus 2:3-5, “Older women likewise are to . . . [teach] what is good, that they may encourage the young women. . .” Who couldn’t use a little good advice, encouragement, and support?

My mentor and I proceeded with a few guidelines:

• We gave it a trial period of three months. In that period of time we would know whether we were a good fit for each other.
• We honor each other’s time. We set a time a month ahead and then faithfully guard it. Sure, emergencies come up but we have kept our appointments 99.8% of the time.
• Like I previously mentioned, we are honest with each other. I share what’s going on with me and she honestly shares with me both biblical advice and from her own life. No dancing around the issues or the truth.

From there we have grown a beautiful relationship over the years. We have talked over personal issues, spiritual issues, ministry issues, parenting issues—anything that comes into my life.

What about you? Wouldn’t you love someone to walk along side of you, giving advice and encouragement as you go? Will you ask God to send you a mentor? Will you live bravely by asking that person to be your mentor? Nothing fancy or preplanned, just two women—one a little older, one a little younger—talking, sharing, and growing together.

I’d love to hear about your experience.

 

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.