Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Me an "Older Woman"?

I was having a chat with my one of my co-workers and super great friends, Samantha. Now I just have to pause here and tell you, I just love this girl! We started working in the Proverbs 31 office at about the same time and our roles at work pair us up quite a bit. She is fun, compassionate, caring, sweet, loving, and such a beautiful reflection of Jesus. I feel like I've known her for years. I know I could share my deepest darkest secrets with her. We have a lot in common although we are 12 years apart in age. With that said, when I am with her I feel as young as she is. Also with that said, this 42 year old also turns to her 30 year old friend for guidance and advice. Why? Because I know she will give a me grounded godly honest return.

So, Samantha and I were talking. She was sharing her weekend with me when she told me that some older women in her church took her on a retreat. I thought for sure these were like the church founders, you know in their later years of life. I asked her how old they were. She said, "about 40 ish, maybe 42 or 45." "WHAT???? You call that older women? That means I'm an older woman!!!!" I cannot be an older woman, can I? I'm too young to be an older woman! Well, I guess to a 30 year old I am! My kids think I'm old too!

Honestly, this "older woman" thing doesn't bother me. I actually found it comical. Truth is, I don't feel like an older woman. I'm too immature to be older :) And I hope it always seems that way to me.

I just talked to my mom. She's received more bad news. I'm not quite ready to blog about it yet. Just if you are reading this, pray for her. Her name is Becky. Just scroll down a few posts and you'll see her. She too is not an older woman (62), but is being dealt some serious health realizations that most her age don't have to deal with. It's breaking my heart to watch her go through it. And all the while, she's worried about me. The irony of it all!

Hey, it's St. Patrick's Day! Did you wear green? I did. I had too! My daughter, Hayley Grace, insisted on it. I had no choice. It was wear green or get pinched!

Well, this older woman is getting ready to watch American Idol. Have a great day/night!

Much Love,

Melissa

13 comments:

Jennifer said...

Praying for your mom...checking back often for updates - and promising to remember you both. Praying God gives you both courage this week.

Amy L Brooke said...

I'm definitely praying.

Julie said...

Praying for you all! I also pray that the Lord gives you and your mom a peace that passes all understanding.

Sweet Blessings,
Julie

Joyful said...

Of course I wore green! Me mother was born in Irelend! (Actually, green looks really good on me too :o)

It was great 'talking' to you last night. Continuing in prayer for you and your Mom. May you know His peace and presence in all the decisions that have to be made.

As for the "older woman" thing...I'm almost 5 years older than you...so what does that make me? Ancient? Age is all relative. There will always be someone older and someone younger, but "this is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it".

Love ya my friend,
Hugs,
Joy

Anonymous said...

Holding you and your mom in prayer. I'll be checking back often, too. I understand the "older woman" thing -- as I'm approaching the half century mark. Funny, I still feel the same as I did when I was 30. I remember my mom saying -- when she was 70 -- that she felt the same inside as she did when she was a child, and it would always surprise her to see her "older self" in the mirror.
Ann

Anonymous said...

Yep, well I'm only 36 and it's comical to me that I probably appear "older" to a lot of young'ins. But I loved what you said, that you feel too immature to be older. Ain't that the truth?! I'm waiting to feel "grown up".

I'm sorry for the pain you're going through with your mom. Hold on, He'll get you through.

Anonymous said...

I remember when I thought 40 was old, now I'm half a hundred and one. But I can still keep up with my kids!!

You know I'm praying for your mom, you, and your family.

West Coast

Anonymous said...

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please keep Becky, Melissa and their families in your loving care and protection. Give them the peace of knowing that they rest in your loving embrace despite their outward circumstances. Surround them with love and lift them up with support.
I ask this in Jesus' name,
Amen

Deb said...

Hi Melissa,
I'm an older woman too. :)

On a more serious note, you and your mom have been in my prayers everyday since you told us about her cancer.

Take care,
Deb

Chef Diane said...

Just letting you know your prayed for today. Also your mom and family. :p
Love ya,
Diane

Anonymous said...

At a bible study I used to attend back in Phoenix, we learned the verse Titus 2 3-5 It talks all about older women teaching the younger women - and we learned that we are ALL older than someone! I try to keep that in mind when I meet a new mom or a newly married woman, if you think about it we 40 year olds have a lot we can teach, we've been through it all!

Cheri Bunch said...

Hey Melissa~

I wore green......today (the 19th)! I was told that I was a bit behind schedule with the wearing green thing! I explained that the deal is "I am an older woman"!!!!

Not really........I didn't think of that response until I got home, I am a little slow with great responses these days.

Glad you are in the older woman club with me.....I am older than you by some, let's just say years.

Like you were in diapers when I was in braces......not really.........I never wore braces....

On a very serious and more important side, I am continuing to pray for you and your mom.

I really did call the office the other day. We prayed together for you and Joy. I think they thought I was definitely on the crazy side. I had been fasting for several days and really felt that I was supposed to call.........I was so nervous because I am a little on the shy side sometimes. (People don't always believe that!) But I am, especially when I feel like the Lord is insisting that I do something a little more on the unusual side.

Anyway, I have been serious with intercession for you and Joy. I have never been a very good intercessor.......We have went through some really big things and there have been times that I have had trouble just praying for us! But we are in a good season at the moment and I just told the Lord the other day He is adding someone to my list it seems every day. And none of the needs are small. Many of them are life and death.

I am humbled that the Lord would let me be an intercessor.....I have to say I am practicing on you guys, but I will keep on until He brings you through.

Sorry to ramble so.

Please know that you are special, and it is a privilege to pray for you!

Because He Lives!!!!!
Cheri
ps. One night when I was experiencing extreme suffering the thought came to me that Joy comes in the morning. Through my sobs I said to the Lord, "It is two a.m. and we call that morning here!!!!" I was desperately ready for a dose of JOY!

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
Before I quit my corporate job a fellow co-worker and I were talking about the whole "I'm technically 'old' but don't feel like it at all." Ok, I'm only 26 but I still feel like I'm a kid :) Why is that? My friend put an interesting perspective on it and said that God created our souls to live on forever and that's why we feel like we're still so youthful. Our bodies may scream otherwise, but they weren't made to last.

Thought that was kind of interesting to think about... :)

Blessings!