Grandmothers and Mothers

I am leading a weekly Sisters' Fellowship on Thursday morning. Our group complices of mothers and grandmothers.

We have been studying the lives of Women in the Scriptures. In the Old and New Testament of the Bible, a lot of women were mentioned. Some of these women are pretty well known, like Eve and Mary (the mother of Jesus). Others at least have a name. But some women were simply referred to as "a young girl from Israel" (2 Kings 5) or "a Samaritan woman" (John 4). Sometimes they are mentioned in one-liners. For example:

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5)

In this passage, the Apostle Paul was writing to a young pastor called Timothy. Life is not simple for Timothy. He was from a mixed marriage: his dad was Greek and his mom was Jewish. But where did Timothy first learn about God?

In our Bible study group, there are many grandmothers from China who are taking care of their grandchildren so that their sons and daughters can go to work. Some of them are Permanent Residents, some are here only for six months. In their short stay, they became Christians and they are growing in faith. Those of us "younger" mothers who came the the States long time ago are teaching them. We shared the great and little things the Lord has done in our lives. What a beautiful picture of God's grace!

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Teen Shooting

Yesterday in Salt Lake City, Utah, there was a teenager shooting people in the mall. Luckily, an off-duty policeman was there and he shot the boy to stop the senseless murder.

The teenager was dressed in the styles of the Columbine killers. Copying evil?

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God" (3 John 1:11).

Looking for Love in the Wrong Places?

"How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?" (Psalm 4:2)

Lisa Nowak, a Navy captain and astronaut, is charged with attempted first degree murder. She is accused of stalking and attacking another woman who may also be "in a relationship" with Navy Cmdr. Bill Oefelein, another astronaut.

Nowak has a succesful career and was glorified since 1996 in the public eyes as one of the few female astronauts. The 43-year-old Nowak seemed to have a perfect life with a husband of 19 years, a teenage son, and two young twin daughters.

As the news unfolded, we found that Nowak is recently separated from her husband of 19 years and her emotional life may not be as rosy as it seemed. More facts will be revealed in days to come and I am not jumping to judgment. However, there are other fatal attractions that we all heard of or even experienced.

How could someone so accomplished and disciplined get into trouble? Simple -- when they confused fantasy and reality, when their obsessive traits were misplaced, when they wondered what else was there for them to do with life, when they were misguided by the delusion of love, and when they wanted to take life and love into our own hands!

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Walking in Shoes Customed Designed by God

I attended a Women's Retreat this past weekend. The theme is "Designer Shoes -- Walking in a Life Custom Designed by God" with Kathi Lipp as the speaker.

On Friday night, Kathi talked about expectation vs. reality. From her own stories, she shared how life is hard, awkward and uncomfortable at times. However, we can have a faith walk daily by (1) Trusting God by slowing down and waiting upon our Lord. (2) Trusting the godly people He surrounds as with (some of them stand behind us, some stand besides us, and some walk ahead of us). I was deeply touched by her talk and filled with gratification when she quoted my favorite verse:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Saturday morning, I was the first person of our table (8 ladies each) to arrive. I noticed miniature shoes on the round table. On the spot where I sat the previous night, I was pleasantly surprise by a shoe that "fit" me best!

You see, I used to wear solid color pumps to work as an engineering manager. Then in 1995, I wanted to slow down and left my high-tech career to be a stay-at-home mom. The Lord gave me a chance to attend seminary that Fall. He continued to open doors ever since then: internship as a counselor, Children's Minister at my home church, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Founder and Director of Parenting ABC, etc. etc. And I have been wearing a lot of purple -- my favorite color -- after changing to the high-touch fields.

I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter/sister-in-law, sister, friend, and much more! How does a workaholic engineering manager become a MFT and pastor wife? As we shared our own life stories, I feel grateful about my shepherd's guidance and leading! God brought me here and now for His agenda and special purposes. I will be here until His purpose is fulfilled.

Have you tried to fill other "shoes" in your life? Have you found the right pair?

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC