Read+Chat+Live: Spiritual Mothering, chapter 12

I owe all of you who started this Spiritual Mothering discussion a HUGE apology. Somehow my plan to post the questions for the last chapter of the book over Christmas break never happened. Obviously! Why is it that so often we quit when the finish line is in sight?

Can I just tell you how this has been hanging over me? Things that are undone take so much more energy than just finishing them, don't they?

All that to say, thank you for your patience and I apologize for not doing what I said I would do.

So, let's finish this discussion...finally!

1. Spiritual mothering requires energy..."enormous energy." Hunt talks about three levels of motivation: love for the other person, love for Jesus, and Christ's love compelling us.

Read the paragraphs at the top of page 175. What does this kind of renewal look like in this season of your life? Does it change?

2. It takes confidence to separate. "Being a spiritual mother means instilling Christ-confidence in a young woman so that she can leave me and face the world." 

Beginning with the end in mind often changes the direction we take. How does view of separation toward the end of a mentoring relationship influence how you would approach the beginning of such a relationship?

3. Read "A Change in Relationship" beginning on page 178. What stands out to you in this section? If you have biological daughters, how does this section challenge you, encourage you, or scare you?

4. As you come to the end of this book, how would you summarize your "one thing"--what you are taking away from this book and putting into practice?

Comments

[Lisa notes...]

One of my take-aways from this study is a greater AWARENESS. My eyes are more open to the younger women around me who actually are seeking guidance. And I'm more tuned in to seek older women for my own guidance, to show me the ropes of things I haven't experienced yet.

So I'm trying to be more on top of opportunities for both. Giving and receiving. And God has been gracious in providing both.

I've begun a new season of life since we began this study--I'm now helping to care for my father diagnosed with terminal cancer, and preparing to care for my Alzheimer's mother upon his passing, so this study hit at a prime time to prepare me for this season. God knew the road ahead, and was paving the way for me...

Thanks, Joanne, for bringing this study to us. Thanks, God, for guiding us through it!

I posted my summary of Chapter 12 here, "When It's Time to Let Go":

http://lisanotes.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-its-time-to-let-go-ch-12spiritual.html