The Example Set Before Me: A Titus 2 Woman
Inside: The Lord used Mama Jacki’s faithful example to show me what a Titus 2 woman looks like. Her life still encourages me today.
A note from Marci: Since I first wrote this post (11/2014), my dear Mama Jacki has gone home to be with the Lord. I recently shared more about her influence on my life and the beauty of Titus 2 discipleship here.
Ladies, I had the privilege of traveling to Africa to visit pastors, their families, and the churches our church helps support. There is so much I could share about our trip, but one part that especially stood out to me was the couple we were so blessed to travel with.
Pastor Bob and his wife, Jacki, had been traveling to Africa for over thirty years as this ministry developed. Doug and I were so grateful to spend more than two weeks ministering alongside them and gleaning from them. We learned not only from their ministry to our brothers and sisters in Africa but also from the way they ministered to us.
I didn’t have many older Titus 2 women in my life, so I cherished my time with Jacki. I was able to watch and learn from her in the way God’s Word describes in Titus 2. We had some formal teaching time as we participated in a women’s conference, but most of our time together was informal. I was able to talk with her and listen to the wisdom she had gleaned through her many years of walking with the Lord and serving as a wife, mother, grandmother, and pastor’s wife.
So, ladies, I want to encourage you never to reach a place where you think you know it all or have it all together.Never stop being a learner. There are many Christian women who have much to pour into us and who have walked before us in studying the Word, loving their husbands, raising their children, and caring for their homes.
How Jacki Impacted My Life
The theme of the conference was Shine for Christ in a Dark World, and Jacki was a lamp the Lord used in my life during that trip.
She lived a life surrendered to Christ and was a beautiful example to the women around her of what a godly woman looks like.
Her love for the saints was evident. She served and loved them even when she wasn’t feeling well. She put the needs of others before her own.
She was generous in giving special gifts to others, but she was also generous with her hugs and smiles.
She took me under her wing, loved me, poured into me, and encouraged me.
She taught what is good, and her life supported what she taught.
She modeled love and biblical submission to her husband. She was a beautiful example of what it means to be a faithful helper to her husband.
She was kind, pleasant, and joyful to be around.
Her life revealed her love for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in everything she did.
The example she set before me showed me what a mature Christian woman looks like.
My Prayer
Lord,
Please help us understand what a powerful example our Christian walk is to fellow believers. May we be women who desire to grow in reverent behavior and who are known for our confidence in You. Help us cultivate the inner beauty that is precious in Your sight. May we seek to build one another up.
Help us to be disciplined women who teach what is good and offer wise counsel to the younger women in our lives. May we know Your Word and learn how to rightly interpret and apply it. Keep us as students who are always learning more about You and Your ways.
Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help us love our husbands and children well. Keep us content within the sphere of influence You have given us in our homes.
Protect us from the danger of pride. Remind us that we don’t know it all and that we can learn so much from others. Keep us humble. Help us become mature Christian women who seek You with our whole hearts and desire to glorify You in all things.
Amen.
Remembering Mama Jacki
The Lord continued to use Jacki’s example in my life long after this trip. This original post later helped inspire part of chapter 6, “The Beauty of Mentorship,” in my book, Homemaking Matters.
You can read more in The Beauty of Titus 2 Discipleship and watch Mama Jacki’s memorial service here. Her memorial service was a beautiful testimony of a life lived faithfully for Jesus.
I have a woman like that in my life and oh how I strive to be a woman like that to others. The Titus model is what is so missing from community and I want to help women grow and discover this wonderful way of being together – thank you for sharing your thoughts