
When I (Martha Peace) was a girl of about twelve my mother offered to teach me and my best friend, Anna Owen, how to sew. She took us to a fabric shop and let us choose patterns and material. I remember that my material was a beautiful pink and white striped polished cotton. It had a glossy, candy-like appearance. Since it was summertime, I chose a pattern for a sun-dress.
Mother patiently showed us how to lay out the patterns, cut out the dresses, and then sew them together. Although I did not think about it at the time, there was a great deal of love and joy for my Mother in what she was doing. I learned a lot about sewing even though I do not recall ever having the courage to wear that dress in public. Perhaps I did once. Mother, in a sense, was being a Titus 2 Woman to us. She was an older woman teaching the younger women how to care for their families and be sensible with money. As a result, she gave me a legacy that is part of me today. Although I do not have much time to sew, I still enjoy it when I can.
Just as my Mother had a desire to teach me and my friend Anna, God has given me a desire to teach the younger women how to do many things. Instead of sewing, however, I desire to teach others to "love their husbands, love their children, be kind, sensible, pure, workers at home, and be subject to their own husbands" (Titus 2:3-5). In order to accomplish this goal, when I have a Titus 2 relationship with a younger woman, I become personally involved in her life. She is my friend. I share personal things with her and we help each other become as much like the Lord Jesus Christ as possible.
Sometimes we meet together on a scheduled basis such as once a week. Other times, we simply talk on the telephone or meet for lunch. We may meet together to discuss a good Christian book we are both reading. Maybe she desires an older woman to pray with or perhaps to teach her how to pray. It could even be that she needs someone to teach her how to sew, shop for groceries, or clean her house. Depending on her areas of weakness and strength, I disciple and hold her accountable in the three areas in which God has in the past and still is maturing me: doctrine, character, and ministry.
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