A Good Friend and Mentor Died this Week

My friend and mentor Susie went home to be with the Lord this past week.  Although I will miss her, I know where she is and that provides such comfort.  I've been looking for photos of Susie to share with her husband David.  I rediscovered this post I'd written in 2010.  I decided to repost it today in honor of Susie. I'm joining with eLisa of Extravagant Grace today. We are continuing our series on becoming Titus 2 in 2010.

Here is the Scripture from Titus 2:3-5:

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

For this week our discussion is focused on the question:

"What does it mean to be reverent?" in becoming a Titus 2 woman.

I believe that being reverent means to show respect. The fear of the Lord is an awesome respect and reverence for God, who is sovereign and has dominion over all His creation.

However, it seems that in today's culture, there's not much of that. Even in day to day relations with people, many children aren't even taught respect for other people.

As a child, I was instructed by my mother to always greet my neighbors with "Hello Mrs. Smith" instead of "hi, how's it going?" or something like that. She believed it showed a sign of respect.

As an adult, I've been honored and privileged to have a mentor named Susie. She was the children's director in Bible Study Fellowship while I was a children's leader. We bonded so well and I just love her.

Susie began mentoring younger women in the ways of God. She uses the Christian Called to Obedience curriculum written by Howie and Dennie Dowell. I'd like to say I was her only student but of course, that's not true.

I was invited to a luncheon that included many of the women Susie has mentored over the years. It's amazing how many women have been impacted since Susie listened to God's call on her life and ...she obeyed.

Hmm ...message to self; trust and obey.

There were about 8 or 9 tables filled with women of all ages who had been mentored by Susie.

Dennie Dowell, the writer of Called to Obedience was present and shared words of wisdom from the Bible.

Susie mentored Jenni, who in turn has now mentored many young moms.
We were taught that fear of man's rejection shouldn't control us. When you are relying on God's eternal, unchanging love for you ...He will provide all you need.

God must be the source of your emotional and spiritual stability. What a great and important lesson for me to learn.

As far as reverencing husbands, I do believe it's important to respect your husband. Many women today seem to find it easy to belittle men. If you ever watch TV commercials, I'm amazed at how they stereotype men.

After reading a book called "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs, I realized how much husbands desire respect. I now look for things I can respect about my husband and ...I tell him.

When you start paying attention, you might be amazed at how many good things you will find that you can respect about your husband. It may start with little things. But note his response. Most times he will be so pleased.
As women we want to be loved. And our husbands crave respect.


Blessings and love,