A few
years ago when I was researching Bible customs, I discovered this intriguing
fact regarding travel:
“Wherever it is possible to do so men travel in large groups so that
they can help each other in case they meet with robbers or wild animals along
the way. A guide or someone who knows the way, and especially one who is
acquainted with the locations of wells or springs of water or other watering
places, is invaluable to the travelers.”1
I
believe that what has been considered wise in the natural, is also wise in the
spiritual. There are around 59 “One another’s” in the Bible which indicates
that God is very much into us not doing this journey alone. My concern for any
of us living in this post-modern age is that with the infiltration of social
media we are getting a false sense of “togetherness”. It’s also feeding us with
a lot of information, but not necessary the truth. Those who don’t have people
physically present helping them on their journeys can easily be swayed by what
they read over social media. For me, facebook will never and should never
become a substitute for face-to-face interactions with real people. I don’t
believe this is just a phenomenon with the youth of today, but it is seeping
into the older generation. Where we used to make time for the younger
generation, we are now spending it on social media platforms. The need for
input from encouraging adults has not changed. I would even go as far as to say
that the demand is there, but perhaps it’s the supply that isn’t! If ever a
generation needed guides to help them navigate life’s trails and trials it is
now; guides who will lead them to the truth where truth has become so oblique.
I have
been blessed with older men and women who speak into my life. I dread to think
where I would be without their words of wisdom, encouragement, suggestions,
prayers and faithful support. Like any “do it yourself” kind of person I wasn’t
always heeding their suggestions, but years later I see the wisdom in their
words, and see how God broadened my horizons because of them. For instance,
I’ll never forget my Mum who knew my interest in missions suggesting YWAM as a
possibility. I must admit at the time I didn’t take much notice and certainly didn’t
go pursuing them. It seems God had them find me at a time in my young life that
I was particularly desperate for answers. Now, 20 years later, YWAM has become
the environment under which God has released me to express His heart to young
people, especially in Africa. I have a spiritual Mum whom I met when living in
Zimbabwe. Her daily gift of encouragement over the phone wasn’t always
appreciated when I just wanted to get on with my day; but her consistent words
of truth would eventually penetrate. Years later, I found myself teaching on
the very subjects she would say were lacking in the church today.
When I
left Zimbabwe, I would continue receiving her insights, one of which led me to
do something I never would have thought of doing. She knew about my
relationship with my AIDs orphan son, Gamu. After his Gogo (grandmother) passed
away in 2014 she suggested that I write an article about him and submit it to a
well-known Christian magazine based in Cape Town. At the time, I shelved the
idea underestimating the story’s significance. It was only after Gamu’s passing
in April of this year that Holy Spirit reminded me of her suggestion and
encouraged me to submit an article as his life and story were worthy of being
used to help others. I did this and I am happy to say that, despite thousands
of articles being submitted to JOY magazine, it was published. Interesting how
my spiritual Mum’s name is Joy. Whether we are from the younger or older
generations, let’s be more intentional about getting guidance from those who’ve
walked before us!
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| Joy and myself |
1. Fred H. Wright, Manners & Customs of Bible Lands (Chicago: Moody Press, 1953), 270.
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