Has a friend ever spoken words that reshaped your perspective of yourself, for good? Have you ever been blessed to meet someone who saw something in you that you couldn’t see in yourself?
When another woman speaks encouragement into our hearts, the course of our lives can be changed forever. And when we believe in someone else, God uses us to build confidence and security in a heart that may have otherwise been paralyzed by doubt and insecurity forever.
I’ll never forget my friend Janet thanking me for words I’d penned from my heart to hers in a note. To me it was only a thank you note, but it was more than that to her. God used her to encourage me to write more than notes. Her prayers and confidence in me inspired this insecure young mom to write a Bible study.
God used that tiny Bible study, written over 10 years ago to birth my writing ministry. Then I taught the Bible study at church. Months later, my WM director, Mary Ann Ruff, sent me to a writer’s training class and secretly signed me up for a speaking/writing development group because she believed in me. She encouraged and helped equip me to walk towards what I’d been running from for 10 years.
Then my friend Lysa asked me to speak in her place at a MOPs group. I’d never spoken outside the small Bible study at my church, and had no plans to do so. But God did, and He used a woman who believed in me more than I believed in myself to help me take the first step.
Each of these women did more than influence my ministry; they shared their lives and mentored me in every area of mine – as a woman, wife and mom.
The same thing happened between Jill and Leann. I learned about their story when I spoke at their Rise & Shine women’s conference in Iowa a year ago this weekend. Saturday they’re holding their 2nd annual conference. Today I’m praying for them and giving away a copy of a book they wrote together.
Jill Beren met Leanne Anderson when she was coaching Jr. High basketball team. Leanne’s 13-year-old daughter, Shelby, was on her team. When Shelby was in high school she got injured, and Jill reached out to her with encouragement, prayers and notes just when Shelby needed them.
One day Leanne sent a letter thanking Jill for the difference she was making in her daughter’s life. She described the qualities of a great coach she saw in Jill and called her “bright light” that shined in many lives, including theirs.
Leanne didn’t know that months later Jill would go home one night to an empty apartment plagued with doubt about her purpose in life. Battling clinical depression and living under the weight of feeling worthless, she contemplated suicide. As Jill pondered her fate, she opened her journal and a note fell to the floor. When Jill opened it, she read Leanne’s words again.
God used Leann’s words to show Jill she did have a purpose and that life was worth living. Now, that’s just the beginning of their story. You can read the rest in their book Letters from Leanne: The Beauty of a Spiritual Mother-Daughter Relationship. Today, I want to give them a chance to share more with us about the book.
Tell us a little about the book: Letters from Leanne helps women see what a Titus 2 relationship looks like today. The book is the story of our friendship over the last ten years and how God has worked through it in wonderful ways. We share the joys and trials we have encountered on our walk of faith, but ultimately how we saw God’s hand in every situation.
Jill, why did you write this book? My initial intent was to thank Leanne. I’d been blessed by her perspective as a mom, her acceptance as a friend, her guidance as an older woman and especially the love she poured out as a Christian. But it isn’t just a thank you to Leanne; it’s a thank you to God. Spiritual mentoring has been and still is a gift in my life. I pray by reading the story of our friendship, readers will be encouraged to build similar relationships in their lives.
What do you hope readers will gain? We pray women will be encouraged in their faith and inspired to find or be a mentor. We share how mentoring is not about having all the answers, but simply sharing your life with someone following in your steps. It’s about spiritual mentoring, but ultimately about our relationship with Christ. We want readers to see the power God offers when we surrender to His plans and follow His ways.
What unique elements are part of your book? Our book is unique in that we give you a look at a specific spiritual mother-daughter relationship and take you on the journey of how our friendship grew. The other unique factor is that for the most part, the story is told from the younger women’s viewpoint, which is beneficial for all women to understand.
We have also included questions at the end of each chapter to help women apply what we share to their personal lives. Rather than simply reading a story of two friends, you will be encouraged to slow down and take a look at your own life and find lessons in the letters.
But before you go, I’m giving a copy away, To enter to win, tell me about the role spiritual friendships and mentoring have or haven’t played in shaping your life. If you’ve never had one, I’d love to pray for you. Just leave a comment (by clicking the word “comments” below), and be entered to win your own copy of Letters from Leanne. Please include an email address so I can reach you if you win. Winner will be announced next Friday! ~ Happy weekend friends!
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I have an amazing accountability partner, Ronel Sidney. We met at a women's retreat and we now understand why God brought us together. We are from diffent walks of life, but our values and belief for God and what he has plan for us is all that matter. We have a give and take relationship and so much trust that we are able to share our intimate thoughts with each other.
I have to thank God everyday for being us together and how he use us to grow and become better servants. I have some much I come say about our friendship and to be honest words can not express how much we both have grown from our friendship and keeping each other accountable. Thank you for your time.
I had a wonderful Sunday School teacher who taught me alot about the Bible I did not know. I loved her class so much I got up one Saturday morning thinking it was Sunday_I was getting ready to go to church and then realized it was the wrong day.
Several things I learned was that God's Word was really interesting and there are things we can relate to today. Second, when I teach now, I want my class to be so interesting to others that they cannot wait to come back and learn.
My husband & I started attending our current church about 18 months ago. At this point, I had changed jobs twice in 4 years and had lost that close contact with most of my best friends. We gradually went from talking every day to every couple days then sometimes just once a week. By finding my sisters in Christ at church I have made many new friendships. I have learned that it doesn't have to be a daily struggle all on my shoulders that other women around me are going through the same things or have at some point. They offer insight as to things I can do to help. If we miss a service I immediately get a text, phone call, or facebook message about how much I was missed and how much I'm loved. Having this in my life means the world to me. I can't express in words how great it feels to have these new friends in my life. Nothing has ever come close to this in my past & I can't wait to see how God uses me to befriend someone else who might need me at just that moment.
Friends… always interesting topic. I didn't have many (girl friends) that is growing up, attempted to steer clear of all things caddy. I longed for them, oh did I ever. It wasn't until after I became a Mommy that the Lord brought me to my knees in utter desperation. At this time, He lifted my face and blessed me in abundance. I have a group of girls who have walked life with me, created a place of safety, and accepted my growing pains in more ways than one. I am forever grateful. I truly believe that God calls us to 3 roles simultaneiously, to have a teachable heart by a mentor, to walk alongside another, and to be able to strengths those newly beginning the journey. The greatest lesson I've learned is that at some point, we all disappointment each other, and then grace… Who is our All Sufficent? Who is Truth? Who is Love? It's constantly changing, the joy of the ride. Thanks Renee!
I'm praying for each of you today. That God would begin the first steps of bringing a spiritual mom or mentor into your life.
I also pray that each of us would look for ways to become the friend we long to have. Maybe there is someone like Jill in our lives who needs a thank you note to remind her that God has a purpose for her life and that we treasure who SHE is!!
Love you all!
Renee
I have a couple of "go to friends". The friend that you call with anything. I love the give and take with these friendships. The Lord uses us to encourage each other through good and bad times.
Have a blessed day!!! Debbie
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I was fortunate enough in my early 20s to have two older women who took me on and began to mentor me and encourage me, modeling a life of following Jesus 100%. They loved me and encouraged me through the happy and difficult times in my life. They were a true blessing to me.
I love this post. The Women's Ministry group at my church is considering beginning a mentoring program. This would be a great book to read in preparation for that ministry.
God has placed mentor's in my life just when I need them. My spiritual mentor has encouraged me to follow God's plan for life.
Thank you for introducing us to this book.
Mary – [email protected]
Renee, Thank you so much for posting our interview! I have been touched as I read the comments and praying others will be blessed by a spiritual mother like I have been and also encouraged to share the gift they've been given. It is amazing how God can work through our relationships! And for those who fear opening up, I know how you feel…that was me for many years, but I pray He will provide a safe person for you to share with and give you the courage to do just that! You will be blessed! Thanks again Renee!
God bless,
Jill
2 years ago, I was brought into a young teen's life whose birth mother had severely abused her and her sisters. This young girl had prayed for someone to replace the mother figure in her life and shortly after I was brought into her life. Although she was abused by her mom, her mom did instill in her a love for the Lord. I've been able to encourage her in her walk with the Lord and she has been a blessing in my life at a time my own children were going through a time of anger with me. God is so good. He knows what and who we need in our lives. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. God bless.
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When reading the comments from the others it saddens me that I don't have that kind if relationship. I tend to keep things in and not open up to people. I've experienced pain an loss in relationships and now find it hard to open up to others. So thankful that I have a friend who sticks closer than a brother in Jesus though
I have read in the Bible and heard in Church the benefits of having a mentor. I have never been blessed with one. Please pray that God will put one in my life. I would love to learn how to be a mentor. Thank you for your encouraging words.
although you are not a friend i see you have touched my life when i found your blog at 2:00 oclock in the morning on a very low point in my life through you i found lysa terkurst! i have had the privledge of meeting you in Robinson, IL a few years ago. i have an awesome person at work who is my saving grace and mentor she means the world to me she helps me find and hold on to god.thanks,
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I can honestly say that I've never been blessed with a mentoring relationship. I'd love to have one though. I'm just not the type of person to open up to others. I know this is something that I need to work on and pray about.
What a beautiful post, Renee! Too often, I think we don't find the time to connect with anyone on a personal level in this digital age. Too often, I think we are struggling with our own drama to reach out and help someone else reach their potential. Sad, isn't it?
I've had one spiritual mentor in my life and she has proved invaluable in reaching out and lifting me up to new heights. She's always believed in me and pushed me to achieve my goals.
My other spiritual mentor/faithful partner is my husband. I think he has more faith in me than anyone–and he's always encouraging me to reach for the stars. In addition, when I'm faltering a little, he's always right there behind me steadying me until I gain momentum again. God has truly blessed me! 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
There have been many instances when God encouraged and loved me through a female he put in my life – younger and older. I have been in the position to encourage women, too. I do not have a best friend right now, but I continue to reach out where God provides opportunity. [email protected]
Friends have been vital to my spiritual growth. Even before I became a Christian, I found myself seeking to draw nearer to God through relationships, questioning and discussing to find out more about living a life pleasing to Him. Since then, even though I have a relationship with Jesus, people have played a huge part in shaping my life – ‘God with skin on’.
My mentors have been girls younger than I, girls my age and ‘girls’ 30 or more years older. They have been friends I meet up with occasionally for a coffee; friends who live many miles away, so we rarely meet except over the phone or through emails; friends in my small group who I meet with weekly; my prayer partner. Some are still key in my life at present; others have been key in the past, yet I know that I can still call on them for help when I need it. All have been spiritual mentors. Just yesterday I needed wisdom over an issue I was struggling with. It wasn’t to a pastor or other spiritual ‘leader’ I went, but to a dear friend who has more wisdom in her than I can ever hope to gain. She encourages me in the very best sense: affirms me, names good gifts in me, builds up my confidence while asking probing questions. Where others would ‘tell’ me what to do, she asks gently “Have you thought of…? What about…?” I leave refreshed, invigorated, equipped to walk the Way – and never without us praying for each other. This friend’s encouragement is absolutely key and I bless God for her every day.
Oh wow! Little did I know some 31 years ago in 5th grade that when I got a classmate sent to the principals office for acting up in the lunchroom when it was completely my fault that God…Yes Only God had his hand in that! My best friend and I have been through so much together! We are complete opposites and the only thing we have in common is God and well our taste in fashion and four kids! Her mom died when we were 15 and God did an amazing work in her! At the time I was angry and didn't understand all of it! But now looking back I see how God wrapped his arms around my BFF and has lead her to be teh amazing Christian influence she is in my life today! There have been times when we have been seperated by miles but that has never mattered! I most recently got a card from her and it was the most precious thing I have ever ever read! She told me how lucky she was to have a friend like me and that she was always thinking about me….Now there are a few mils between us again…when just 5 years ago we lived only 3 blocks from each other. Anyway in the card she spoke the most precious words. She stated how lucky we were to have each other and that to think of other women not getting to experience the power of an amazing bond of friendship is sad. Yes the fact that some people never go through life getting blessed by God with such an amazing friendship saddens me so! She is by far one of the most influencial people in my life. To begin to tell you our many trials together would take a book but I do know one thing is for sure that God has had it all mapped out from the get go! I am so thankful to have been blessed with Daphne in my life! I love her so….there aren't enough words to describe it!
I am so blessed to have ANY friends at this point in my life but the only friends I have now are girlfriends that I have met through my church. I have been a Christian for a year and the journey has been more than exciting.
God, and my parents, began this amazing relationship by giving me the gift of Grace. I had NO idea that I could be worthy of such a gift but then the gifts just kept coming with each woman that Got put in my path; bible studies, church volunteer opportunities, small groups, or events.
We now call ourselves "Lylas" (love ya like a sister…in Jesus) and support each other and lift each other up through whatever comes our way. We are currently training for the 3Day 60Mile breast cancer walk next summer, we are planning a road trip to North Carolina for the She Speaks conference, we will cheer one on as she runs her first marathon on, we cheered for another as she was baptized by immersion, and prayed for another while her 5year old went through open heart surgery.
Life changing friendships would be an understatement.
I never had friends before. I merely had acquaintances from this location or that, work, or my kids friends' parents…nothing more.
Then when given all of these opportunities at friendships I was worried I wouldn't know how to be one. But I should never have given it a second thought since God has made it effortless every step of the way.
I love reading my bible, finding books that speak to me, and getting more and more from each blog I stumble across.
Thank you for this awesome blog and opportunity to share my fabulous friendships.
about 3yrs ago I took this Proverbs 31 class taught by Janine Mangum, words can't describe how amazing annointed she is. She has touched so many lives. Anyway, during the class and outside of class she mentored me. She spoke truth and encouragement to me. She helped me get pass looking at my husband for not being the husband he should be and helped me see that my role was to be the wife that God called me to be, no matter if my husband did anything at all to deserve that kind of Love. It changed me and my marriage blossomed. That along with reading your Blog Renee and seeking out other encouraging women, I was able to let go of the wife that longed to be right, that didnt respect my husband and a wife that didn't look at my husband the way a wife should look at the husband that God put into her life. My husband was saved last yr…..My world will forever be changed!! I will continue to absorb ever little bit of wisdom and encouragement that I can get from Godly Spiritual Moms!!