Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Feminine Appeal, Chapter One, Transformed by Titus 2

*Feminine Appeal* by Carolyn Mahaney is faithful to Scripture while exhorting and explaining the seven virtues listed in Titus 2 of a godly wife and mother. Having wished for a mentor and wondered if there was a resource available to help mentor, her book is a wonderful resource including study questions to help guide a one-on-one mentoring or a group discussion.

She notes in the first chapter, Transformed by Titus 2, that, “We live in a society that emphasizes preparation and education for everything but marriage, motherhood, and homemaking.” I’ve had 80-year-old women, tell me they didn’t know how to boil water when they married and social workers complain that young mothers on assistance are buying “Designer Water” for their babies! We have completely failed to mentor our daughters. We, the older women, are too busy to listen to a young mom’s questions or dilemma.

Each season of life is different, we need mentors whether we are preparing for marriage, motherhood, being a grandmother, or have suddenly become a widow. Our need for mentors never ceases. Also, we need to be seeking those we can mentor, encourage in the season of life we have already struggled through.

I can distinctly remember the benefit of seeking counsel of a woman at church about sewing machines and sewing. She didn’t just teach me how to sew lingerie and advise what features to look for in a sewing machine. While working with me, she offered encouragement to be faithful in raising our sons. Recently a young wife wanted to do something different-fun over a holiday break she had from working. Her first thought was to go shopping-something she knew she probably shouldn’t do. Instead, I offered to teach her how to make fudge. My daughter-in-law came also and we had fun making fudge and homemade caramels. We even came up with a mint variation of the fudge recipe.

The goal of striving for the virtues in Titus 2, Carolyn reminds us, is the Gospel. “These virtues are not about our personal fulfillment or individual preference. They are required for the sake of unbelievers–so that those who are lost might come to know our Savior.” (Verses 5, 8, 10)

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