So here we are, Pastor G and I, in our Jesus Year, still young enough to be considered young, but not as young as we used to be. We’ve got nothing on paper, no proposal, no clergy cohort group, no projects on the horizon.
But something interesting has happened. After spending a couple of years working with a program that helps young people discern a call to ministry, PastorG is now working as a college chaplain, which puts her in constant contact with young people asking the question, “Why am I here? What does it all mean?”
As for me, in June I spent several days as a small group leader for nine young women who are beginning seminary even as I write this. They were amazing—passionate, capable—with a maturity beyond their years. Yet they were very much in their early 20s—fresh faces, tank tops with bra straps showing, with ironic pigtails in their hair. Many of them ended each sentence, like, with a question mark? You know, even though it was a statement and not, like, a question?
And I loved them all.
On the third night, they convinced me that my “baby needed calcium” and that we adjourn to the ice cream shop up the street. On our last evening, after we put each woman in the center of the circle and laid hands on her and sang a song of blessing, one of them asked, “Can we bless your baby?” So they laid hands on my pregnant belly, still a small bump at that point. I had to leave early, but I saw them later that evening. They were still in our meeting place, silhouettes by the fountain in the middle of campus. They talked late into the night.
I got a note of thanks from one of them a few weeks ago.
And in the last three weeks, I have had three other young women call or e-mail me about getting together. They are discerning a call to ministry and they want to talk to me, or they want me to talk to them, I’m never sure. I’m always certain that I have something of value to give them, even as I never know quite what to say. One young woman is a member of my congregation who attended our workcamp in Kenya. Upon the group’s return she emerged from customs, greeted her parents, caught my eye and said, “I want to go to your seminary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (And it was said with just that many exclamation points.) And it wasn’t just post-mission-trip elation. She really does. And I helped her discern that.
And I am so future focused right now… what does all this mean for my discernment? Is this a sign that I’m called to be a mentor more intentionally, as an educator in a seminary? Or is this merely a part of my call as a pastor, to help young women find their way? I’ve been so future focused, I almost missed that this all has grown out of a nine-year conversation with PastorG. The journey has borne fruits that I was not expecting. Not a book. Not a curriculum or a workshop or a Lilly Foundation cohort group. The fruits have been internal and intangible, yet real.
Perhaps nothing has been wasted.
Perhaps nothing is ever wasted.
7 Responses to “to be a mentor, part II”
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» I have been remiss in posting SBJ’s latest stats: 23 pounds and 27 inches at six months. Yes, I’ve got the big mama biceps.
» Aaaaaand little she-who-is lost another tooth this week!
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How exciting to be where you are right now. I can feel the energy and questions through your words. If you move forward with the mentor idea will you have to know that it is exactly what you are supposed to do? Your sense of urgency, the Jesus year and all, may be all you need to know. About how to do what you propose? You are so very bright and creative, follow your instincts and Pastor G’s imput.
Just a quick thought as I rush out the door–if you were teaching at a seminary, you would be with students who *already* know they want to be at seminary. Out in the world you are a beacon for young people in all sorts of settings who may realize possibilities just by seeing your light shine.
I believe that we are called to mentor. I have learned so much about myself in these last few weeks. The common thread is that women have the responsibility of passing on the knowledge to other women. We have really failed at that in the Church I believe. Yet, each and every blog that I read does just that…mentors. Each woman makes me stronger. I am so lifted up in just hearing your spirit. To know that YOU DO TRULY KNOW. That is such a comfort. You are on the edge of something truly great and I get to know you.
How the Spirit moves! I was having a conversation about this topic just yesterday and wondering if the wisdom is now present for us to birth it. Let the discernment begin again!
G
As I fast approach my 36th year, I sit back and wonder, what does all the freedom that I was given actually mean?? As part of “generation X” the world was mine on a platter, but no one ever told me what to do with it!! I feel that the first generation to come after the “revolution” is a semi-lost one. We are the ones to rebuild and ready for others, yet the tools that we need were not available. We still fight against the “all-boys” clubs and the glass ceilings; we are still forced to make decisions regarding motherhood and career. Reports come out on a daily basis that tells you if you don’t use your eggs you never will. How confusing, how sad.
I believe that you are on the right track, we are to be the mentors for the new generation, the balance between what was, what is and what will be. We will be the voices in the chorus, supporting the message of our youth.
How we are to mentor will be individual as to how we can reach the youth. Some will be very lucky and have an audience, and others like me, will have to work one at a time with immediate family and friends. I feel the best mentor shows by example.
Take this great creative energy and run with it.
Peace and Prayers,
Beth
I feel kind of like the only rooster in the henhouse at the moment, but I want to add my voice to the encouragement here.
As far as mentoring goes - how many young women do you think you reach right here?
As far as writing a book goes - what do you have here except a book in another form?
You have a compelling written voice and an honesty about confronting the world around you that is rare and refreshing. You don’t have all the answers and you don’t claim to - and, even better, you don’t expect to.
Sometimes, there is nothing more reassuring than to know you are not the only one who struggles.
I can’t answer what you are called to do, obviously. I do want to put out that, as so often happens with God things, the answer to many of your questions is right in front of you.
XT
Thanks XT, and everyone else too.