3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Bitterness & Jealousy are poisoned arrows that pierce the heart with contamination that destroy spirit, soul & body. Older women who allow these twin demons to take root & grow, then lash out at our younger sisters are living proof that maturity does not necessarily come with age.
Going to church on Sunday and spitting venom Monday – Saturday are signs of immaturity & a definite lack of wisdom, understanding & grace. Jealousy is the root of bitterness. It only serves to put barriers between older and younger women that should not ever be in place. Elder Ladies remember there are no do-overs in life. Be that example our younger sisters can and wish to emulate.
Those of us who have passed the half century mark should live the next fifty years as Seasoned Sisters of Grace, Wisdom, Honor & Understanding. We are not called to dishonor but honor and integrity. Why the senseless expressions of vitriol? Does not the Word tell us, Proverbs 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Part of Wisdom involves mercy and compassion. Perhaps the very thing you’re envious of in that younger woman’s life is responsibility that you as someone older with limitations are not equipped to handle. Instead of condemnation and slander lift up that younger Sister in the role God has given to her.
When the temptation comes to hurl hurtful words at someone I see as an enemy because of a misunderstanding, I remember the wisdom of my wonderful mother Mable Elizabeth Palmer. Growing up two of her favorite sayings were, “If you can’t say something nice to someone don’t say anything at all and You Never Know Who You May have to Call on.”
The very person you insult today may be the same person you’ll have to call on for help tomorrow. No we can’t like everyone we come in contact with but we can be polite, disciplined, kind, loving and professional. Respect should be the very basis of our professional and personal lives.
Donations to this Ministry for the Housing Fund can be made in U.S. Funds via money order or bank checks made payable to Rochdale Village Inc. 169-65 137th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434, Account No. 083-11G-16924. Donations can also be made via Paypal using my email: deborah.palmer280@gmail.com.
