I know how to cook, but some young lady out there does not. What an opportunity to show her how to make a grocery list so she can stay on task and budget. Also, how to prep and prepare a meal, and utilize leftovers. When I cook I keep the future in mind. I will make a big pot of chili and divide it into individual containers and freeze them. They are good for packing your lunch or have available for a quick dinner. Buy in bulk so you use fewer dollars. For example, purchase ground beef or turkey and make spaghetti, stuffed peppers, chili, hamburgers, and many other meals from the same meat or product of your choosing. I am not against using a microwave, but l know there are great cooks out there that can teach the art of cooking before it becomes extinct.
Cooking as a ministry
I know of some women that use cooking as a ministry. While they are preparing their meals, they are making another for the widow/widower or shut-in down the street. When they go on visits they have cookies or bread available as a gift. One of my favorites is freezer jam (jam on biscuits, yum!). What a great ministry to share with those younger women while fellowshipping and getting to know each other.
Teaching life skills
Coming alongside someone is not always because of sin. It can be because of a need or just to help. Teaching the younger women can be sharing ideas and information on:
- Maintaining a household
- Managing money
- How to cook/bake
- Speak
- Dress
- Presenting themselves
- Healthy relationships
- Getting a job/running a business
- Raising children
- Studying the Bible (living it)
These are things that are vital whether we are single or a wife (Titus 2 and Proverbs 31). Knowledge is power! The more you know about the Word of God and life skills the better equipped you’ll be in making decisions. You’ll be able to recognize and avoid the enemy’s pitfalls like debt issues, becoming unorganized, and unacceptable behavior. Mature women this is a call to action. Help young women become God-fearing (respecting the Lord), productive, and contributing individuals to society. Start at home with your daughters and expand your reach so we can produce women of excellence.
In conclusion
Mature women must pass on knowledge and skills to the younger women so they can successfully navigate through life. If we don’t share, some things may become obsolete, like balancing a checkbook. Committing to sharing proper information will help them avoid some stumbling blocks. Let’s not only educate the younger women but also let’s educate each other. Keeping an open heart and mind to glean will help any woman avoid the snares of the devil. Iron sharpeneth iron.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- What life skills can you use to come alongside someone to teach and encourage?
- Is there another woman you can glean from? If so, make an effort to interact and engage her.
Yes indeed Carol, coming alongside someone can demonstrated in many forms. Thinking of the title, I was blessed to be able to cook alongside my mom as a kid. There were many joyful memories that came out of those experiences. What an honor it would be to share with other young ladies! Thank you for bringing this to light.
Lisa, Thank you for sharing that sweet memory of cooking with your mother. There are so many ways to come alongside someone to be a blessing.