Shaped by Great Women

ENGLISH

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.—2 Timothy 1:5

There are so many people who have influenced me as a man. Among the most influential in my life were my grandfather and grandmother. Because of their presence and faith, they both single-handedly influenced the direction of my life more than anyone else. So if you are a grandparent, don't dismiss the impact you have on the young and impressionable. Teach them at every turn.

Paul understands the principle of this type of influence. And because he does, he leans on his awareness of Timothy's family heritage—specifically these two women—his grandmother and mother. They were both among women he had met while traveling and icons of the Christian faith. And now, while Paul is in the final hours of his own life, he remembers them and their faith as he reflects on the man that Timothy is becoming. And then he charges Timothy to do the same. He challenges him to carry on this same kind of legacy.

We must note that often in scripture, Paul tells us to forget the past. To forget former ways. To forget our sins. To forget the desires of the flesh. But in contrast, he tells us here to remember the past but not our former ways. Instead, it's a call to remember the deep, rich, and sincere faith of two people who had greatly influenced him and so many others. It's a subtle nudge for him to do and become the same.

ASK THIS: Who is one person who has influenced your faith that you need to remember today?

DO THIS: Write their name in the comments below! And tell them thank you, if you still can.

PRAY THIS: God, thank you for all the people you have brought into my life who have directed me toward you.

PLAY THIS: Sanctus Real. Lead Me.

SPANISH
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56 thoughts on “Shaped by Great Women

  1. SHELDON Bullard says:

    Sylvia Sirag my spiritual mother. I just want to say thanks for giving to the Lord i am a life that was change because of your giving.

  2. Rex says:

    Mom- A child evangelist until 88. Was still teaching @ then public school when Covid hit. Doesn’t have a computer. Still a prayer warrior though yes thank you Mom for opening your home to the greatest gift I could ever have!

  3. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Vince, my next door neighbor from Colorado, I can’t wait to see you again in Heaven brother.

  4. Dennis says:

    I have two individuals that influenced my life, Rev. Karel Sylvanus and Pastor Mark Shaffer. Both in Heaven .

  5. Mike Lange says:

    My parents were strong in their faith and very active in the church serving others and set a great example for all of us. Thank you Mom and Dad!

  6. Warren M Campbell Sr says:

    My Aunt Scott. I called her Auntie. She’s in glory now. But I thank her for all she done for me and for her encouragement in Christ

  7. Tim E. says:

    My mom June, she tilled the ground of my mind as a kid. While she did not live to see it, the seeds she planted have sprouted and grown.

  8. Matt Smith says:

    Well said! I am also very grateful for having had a believing grandmother and grandfather. I think of them often, especially when I need to make a Godly decision.

  9. Cory B says:

    Andrea
    Explained to me that there’s a better and more rewarding life out there. But only if God is at the center of it. Give selflessly & humbly.

  10. Sam says:

    Marion I shudder at the thought of what I would have been if you had not been a great influence in my life, I miss you.

  11. Jim says:

    Bernie..he led me to the Lord when I was 17 and I am 63 now. Called him a year ago to thank him.

  12. Tom says:

    Uncle Gene and Aunt Johnnie Bea. I just had the pleasure of spending Easter weekend in southern Arkansas with their family. The joy of a loving family.

  13. Danny Leo says:

    my Mom, Reenie, hands down, she was beautiful both inside and out and prayed over me daily.

  14. Greg stanton says:

    Doug, my mentor & friend. I tell him often of the many things he taught me about Him. 25+ yrs & counting, we meet once a wk.

  15. Chuck says:

    My father. How I pray daily that I can become the father he was in influencing my life

  16. Dave Benson says:

    Bob Bollant who went home with Jesus a few months ago! I can still here his voice saying “lean in to Jesus”!

  17. Tim shea says:

    My dad and mom Pastor Dave,Danny and connie, larry and connie,Becky my beautiful wife, God is so faithful to share these poeple with me each one is so very special to me

  18. David says:

    My biggest spiritual influence (in a strange way) came from my Dad. He lead by stepping aside. He was raised Catholic and didn’t want me to be raised that way. He was 1st generation born American from Italian immigrant parents, and would disappoint his parents if he changed to become Baptist. So my mother brought me to her church, where she was brought up by her parents. Both of whom were also my spiritual influencers

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