Lady! You've Got What it Takes

Introducing Role Modeling

3 Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment (the manner in which one conducts oneself) as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers (oral defamation, malicious talk) or slaves to drink (addicted alcohol). They are to give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble,

4 So that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children,

5 To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited).

6 In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained and to behave prudently (taking life seriously).

7 And show your own self in all respects to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity (having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive), with dignity and seriousness. Titus 2: 3-7, (AMP with emphasis).

So that they will wisely train the young women to be .........

I believe the scripture above is talking about role modeling rather than mere teaching. The reason being that it starts with what older women are supposed to do. There is power in role modeling than teaching. Teaching is easy but doing (role modeling) is difficulty.

The word 'role model' has lost its meaning overtime. Its authenticity has been overshadowed by myths. To retain its validity, we have to bust the myths to create a common understanding. Here are some of the myths that have held us from playing our part.

·         No one is willing to emulate commoners

·         Role modeling is for the rich and famous

·         Role modeling is for those in leadership positions

·         Role models should appeal to the naked eye

·         Role modeling is for the aged

The truth is everyone is a role model. Someone is looking at you, someone is emulating you, whether you are aware or not that's how simple it is. What you need to begin to think deeply about is what do you have in your hands-to give? Do not think of material things. Examine yourself. I was one of those people who believed that there were better people or better women other ladies could look up to. This mentality was fueled up by our world of materialism, positions and titles. 

It was until I became a mother that it dawned to me that I had something to give and that our children were watching and learning from us. It gave me some confidence to figure out what kind of a mother I would want to be. What do I have in my hands to give? On the other hand I was pushed to add more to what I already had. I started noticing that my influence extends beyond my household. From the shopping mall to the nearest grocery shop I buy bread and beyond. Oh! Yes this changed me and inspired me to grow in character and I'm still growing.

You will notice that the moment you see yourself as someone resourceful, you will believe that someone has a reason to emulate you. I actually believe that the more you feel confident about yourself being a role model the more you will be able to identify your role model. In this series we are going to explore the attributes of role modeling. What does it take for us to be role models to younger women?

We have what it takes!

If all the good people in the world believed in their capacity to role model good, evil would be overshadowed.

Our recipe of the month -Banana Cinnamon Pudding coming next week!