Seven-Day Practical Faith Blog: Leaning on the Wisdom of Others

I was recently asked about my sources of wisdom - a good question for us all to ponder. I quickly thought of my spiritual mothers.

That's how I label four women who had a profound impact on my life. Their wisdom shines through me.

We need such wisdom, as indicated in Proverbs 24: 3-6 (NIV):

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;  through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

My spiritual mothers were among my advisers throughout my life - from middle school to middle age. Their wisdom still resides in me.

I'm thinking of dedicating future posts to each of them individually, but for now, let me simply state what I learned from each. In doing so, I hope you will join me on reflecting on your sources of wisdom.

Susan Hoff, my middle school Sunday School teacher, matured my faith through her lessons, the first person outside of my preacher father to do so. More importantly, she showed me how our faithfulness in small, humble endeavors can hold eternal meaning.

Aeolia Tuttle (pictured) stepped in as my high school Sunday School teacher during my senior year when no one else would. She demonstrated how overwhelming setback and sorrow does not have to shake our faith but can expand it.

Leigh Anderson was my college and adulthood friend, married to one of my best friends from high school. Although she was my age, she was still my spiritual mother with her kindness, vivaciousness, and deep faith in the face of 17 years of cancer. She loved Jesus so much, making me want to love Jesus more.

Frankie Comer came along in my middle aged years. A former nurse and pastor's wife, she uniquely combined sweetness and spice in her leadership style. Frankie also demonstrated bravery in saying yes to Christ in challenging situations.

The common thread of my spiritual mothers is how much they loved me. They simply loved me and nurtured me; then I learned from them.

Again, the question is: What are our sources of wisdom? And, another to follow: How can we use the practice of our faith to become a wisdom source for others?

I periodically write for Tracy Crump's Caregiver blog. If you're in or will be in a season of caregiving, this blog is for you. Please check out my latest post, called "Boundaries and Refreshment," by visiting tracycrump. com/blog.