when 30 is young and wise

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

In the spring of 1999 I was inducted into the Junior National Honor's Society. My family was so proud of me. My Granny bought me a beautiful light tan and white hounds tooth two piece skirt suit set. She purchased white panty hose and small white heels for me to wear. With my hair pulled back and my glasses, everyone said that I looked 13 going on 30. Teachers commented that my maturity was that of an almost 30 year old.

Fast forward 18 years, I am 30, just a few months away from 31.

And there are times I feel that I am much older than my almost 31 years.


When I started my ministry I was anxious. Why me? What could I possibly share with women about marriage at my young age and with so few years experience?

But then I remind myself of the saying, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." If God calls you to do something, He has a reason, and obedience is the answer.

One thing I have been working on is listening. Not just to God, but to the other "W.I.F.E.'s" in my life. I have been working on not interjecting a thought, or my own similar occurrence, but just listening. I am not perfect, but I am trying.

Here is what I have heard:

• That gorgeous woman with long blonde hair and great make up, who works outs several times a week....her husband doesn't find her attractive.
• The lady with a growing business, husband and a child, she doesn't want a 2nd child at this point. And she feels shame because everyone around her tells her she should.
• That lady with the happy little boy who is almost 2....she is experiencing secondary infertility. She wants another baby and for some reason she cannot get pregnant. She struggled to have her first child, but everyone reassured her that once she had that first baby it would be easier to conceive next time. But that has not been the case.
• That woman with a husband, two children and a great job. She struggles with self image. Her husband thinks she looks amazing, but she constantly puts herself down and struggles to see the beauty he sees.
• That young lady who has friends, a supportive family, yes with a crazy one or two and a new love interest. She takes everything personally and it is a struggle for her. She gives her all and feels crushed if something doesn't work out.

But what does the world see?

They see women who keep on going. Who go through each day, who do not quit. Life has thrown things at them, but they haven't stopped. Oh don't get me wrong, they get down, they get upset, they even scream at times, but they keep going.

And it is because of women like this that God has called me to serve the Women in Faith.

I am not sure what I am supposed to do exactly. I know I have a book to finish, and an idea for a Bible Study brewing. Beyond that right now, I am not sure. But what I have been told by God for now is to listen. And listen I will. And when I hear what I need to, I will move where God directs.

So, though I am only 30, have only been married 5 years, and only a mother 3 1/2 years, I have something to say, and say it I will. My age will not discredit me.