Iron Rose Sister Ministries

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Published: 29 May 2019

• mentor

Lois and Eunice were Jewish women, mother and daughter, who were mentioned by name only once in the Bible—as the grandmother and mother of Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5). We don’t know much about Timothy’s father, other than that he was Greek. We don’t even know for sure if Timothy’s father was a Christian. However, this diverse family heritage gave Timothy unique insights into the Jewish and Greek cultures as he followed these impactful women’s legacy of faith.

Paul often referred to Timothy as his beloved child or child in the faith, yet he took a moment in 2 Timothy 1 to remind Timothy of his spiritual roots—critical at a time when Timothy felt discouraged and defeated.

3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Paul’s words to Timothy served as an affirmation from his mentor that he was not alone.
• Paul remembered Timothy constantly in his prayers.
• Timothy’s tears were heard, validated, and shared because Paul longs to see him, as well.
• Paul reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother were another two of his biggest cheerleaders in the faith—ones from whom he could glean examples of faithfulness and a continued legacy of faith.

My Lois and Eunice are named Barbara and Jocelynn. My grandmother and mother have served as encouraging cheerleaders and instrumental examples for maintaining the faith throughout life, especially during the trying times. They are spiritual mentors and promote a legacy of faith that extends beyond the blood relation in our family.

Even though Lois and Eunice are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, I would like to believe that they were a positive Christian influence in the lives of many others in Lystra (Timothy’s hometown). I know that many women continually seek out my grandmother and my mom for spiritual wisdom, a prayer partner, or an encouraging word.

Thanks be to God for the tremendous blessing of my motherly mentors! And it is my prayer that I can be the same motherly mentor for each and every one of the Iron Rose Sisters who is equipped to connect to God and one another more deeply through this ministry and her resources.

#IronRoseSister #3generations #mentor 

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Published: 22 May 2019

• mentor

The first Iron Rose Sister Ministries book written was called Human AND Holy; yet is easy to forget to allow myself to be human. A mentor reminded me of this truth and encouraged me to show my human side and allow others in, to help, to support, and to encourage.

Many look to me as their mentor. What the Holy Spirit inspires me to write on the pages of the Bible study books or leads me to say during the classes I teach can give people the impression that I am some sort of super-Christian. Allow me to remind you that I am not. Far from it.

I make mistakes. I get impatient. I speak without thinking. I care too much about what others think of me. I try to solve things myself instead of taking them to God or asking others to help.

And yet, I know I am not alone.
• There are those who lovingly help point out my faults so that they can be pruned for more effective growth (Eph. 4:15; John 15:2).
• There are those who stand beside me with their shields of faith next to mine as we are attacked by the flaming arrows of spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10-18).
• There are those who hold up my arms when I am weak in order that God can win the battle (Ex. 17:10-11).
• And therefore, I will boast in my weakness, for when I am weak, He is strong (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Mentors are not perfect. Mentors are those that show and affirm their human side while striving to model a Christ-like spirit and live by the Spirit, focusing on the I AM (1 Cor. 11:1; Rom. 8:5, 11; Heb. 12:2).

Editing the chapters of the upcoming book, I already AM, has been a timely reminder to focus on the I AM, to renew my belief in YHWH, and to share my testimony of belief with you. Thanks for your prayers!

One final illustration shared by the same mentor during our conversation: When we feel like we are in a boat that is sinking and taking on water, we grab a bucket and start shoveling out water, trying desperately to stay afloat. However, we forget that Jesus is right there in the boat with us.

The I AM is not surprised by anything happening in your life. He is there—He always was, is, and is to come. Call on Him and rejoice in knowing we are not alone. Thank Him for the mentors in your life that remind you of that truth and share those truths with others as we mentor together.

#IronRoseSister #mentor #teaching2teach