Welcome.

Years ago as a single adult in my thirties living and working in Big Sky Country (Montana! That sky!), I came to cherish a scripture from the New Testament. It’s found in Titus. It is generally believed and accepted that Paul wrote this epistle. It was written to Titus, a converted Gentile who became a co-worker with Paul.

Here’s the admonition given:

“The aged women likewise,

that they be in behaviour

as becometh holiness, not false accusers,

not given to much wine,

teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober,

to love their husbands,

to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,

good, obedient to their own husbands,

that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

(Titus 2: 3-5)

As I served in the United States military, I lived in different places across the globe. In every place I went among the saints, I saw examples of aged women from differing backgrounds and cultures who exemplified beautifully these traits.

Women who were holy. Ones who chose friendship with God over anything of fluff the world tried to offer them.

Women who didn’t gossip. Who in the face of criticism or judgement turned conversations 360 degrees by saying, “Something I really love about so and so is…”

Women who knew they were under commission to teach their families and any who would hear their witness and bore such witness with bold humility.

Women who were sober.

Women who loved their husbands. Women who made “Why my husband is valuable” lists and referred to them often, women whose love – never their nagging – made their husbands better.

Women who, above all else, loved their children.

Women who were unobtrusive, careful, clear in what they spoke and how they spoke it.

Women who cherished virtue and never deserted virtuous living.

Women who kept lovely homes. Not that their homes were themselves lovely beyond sufficient but that their ways made them lovely. Their Christ centered décor. Their homemade cookies for hungry tummies and eager hands. Their happy countenances as they swept, mopped, dusted, and vacuumed. Their open-door policies, day or night. Their “love is spoken here by me” words.

Just tonight I paid a visit to a home. The father is someone with whom I serve in my church calling, and he wasn’t feeling well. I was dropping off a little soup. The wife, who consistently displays a sanctified glow and a peaceful presence, tenderly hugged her husband as he told me about a health challenge that makes the viruses and illnesses of winter challenging for him. I was so moved by the love I witnessed between them. It was palpable. As I left that home, I thought of this scripture in Titus and wondered how she learned to love so well, which aged women had taught and shown her.

Women who, when all was said and done, were just good. Absolutely and totally good.

Women who counseled with their husbands and were obedient to their husband’s impressions and inspired guidance.

I love such aged women. I have been surrounded for numerous years by many of them in my own family circles and in my ward family circles. Their examples have taught and inspired me and helped me become a better Christian, wife, and believer.

To them this day, I offer deep felt gratitude and say, please continue to teach those of us who need your ways as well as your witness. I, for one, have been more fully shaped and purposed for His work…because of you. Thank you.

And here’s a thought: as we offer our gratitude for you up, perhaps He is offering His for you down.

On that note, here’s a song especially dedicated to you worthy and wonderful aged women. Surely “God [Himself does give] thanks for [and to] YOU!”

Unto all the world: thank you aged women!