An Old Mom in Monroe, Louisiana

I’m an old mom now.

A year ago, a ministry was started at my church where the older women mentor the younger. Somehow, my children were born, and then after hundreds of baby videos, recitals, ballgames, laughs, tears, and tension headaches, a whirlwind happened—I landed on the other side of motherhood. My babies grew up. So I’m one of the older women who are supposed to teach the younger, according to Titus 2.
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Basically, a group of us who’ve gone through that same time whirlwind make dinner each month and share how we tried, how we messed up … hoping our openness helps the younger women.
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There was a conference this past weekend in West Monroe, Louisiana, about this whole mentoring thing. I thought I’d better go, because I needed guidance in this new role.

​Monroe has that Louisiana look with flat delta land and bayous. And of course flavorful food. A friend and I ate at Waterfront Grill and enjoyed their specialty, Catfish Desiard, and a lovely view. Many of us made our photo at the famous spot in front of the Duck Commander store. A river divides the area into two cities—Monroe and West Monroe, but everything was really close. I heard there are more interesting stores on antique row, as well as restaurants near the river, but the conference was our priority this trip.

A slew of great speakers talked, including Jeremy and Addie Camp, the Robertson ladies, Joneal Kirby, and Shellie Tomlinson, all with moving and powerful encouragement.
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​They really didn’t go about telling everyone how to be a better mentor or person or mother, so much as, inspiring women to not give up—to be the light for their generation and the ones coming behind. While the world goes crazy and life gets scary, we women can rise up boldly and speak life into our families and our communities for the good of our country-our world.

​I was inspired.

​So, ladies reading this … being an old mom is no excuse. Rise up and speak Words of Life.

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