Lexi Shipp: Lexi Shipp is a passionate writer, speaker, and Bible teacher. With a Bachelors in Religion and Masters in Human Services Counseling, both specified in Christian Ministry, Lexi loves serving alongside her husband doing Next Gen Ministry. Working with middle and high school girls for years, she has a heart for connecting all generations of women and championing the next generation for the cause of Christ – starting within her own home as a mom. Lexi serves as a regular LifeWay Girls blogger and the Communications Team Lead for the SBC of Virginia’s Women’s Ministry. To read more of Lexi’s writings or to book her as a speaker, connect with her on Instagram @alexisleeshipp.
Over the weekend, a sweet young lady from our young adults ministry spent a good majority of the day in our home. She and I sat around the table with food and coffee as we talked about a wide range of things, while my children ate and climbed and played all around us. At some point, it felt as though nearly every 30 seconds I had to break away from the conversation to tend to my little ones.
Nonetheless, throughout the course of our conversation, she said on more than one occasion how much she valued watching moms parent young children. There were a few reasons for that, but two that really stuck out to me:
- It showed her that we are real people.
When she said this, I jokingly told her that nothing will show how real you are more than parenting. It is sanctifying work and no small ordeal to be shaping Image Bearers. What a privilege to be able to invite someone in and allow them to witness some of the most precious moments – sacred moments – holy moments where the Holy Spirit meets you in your ordinary, every day need as you minister through meeting the needs of the least of these. The shaping of children in a way that shows them the tangible grace of Jesus, so we hope and plea to the Lord. This takes true vulnerability and authenticity, and genuinely shows the work of God in us as we work to disciple those the Lord has entrusted to our stewardship. An eternal soul in our care placed there by a good and loving Father who makes no mistakes and knew exactly what He was doing, and is now sovereignly bringing someone else into our home for a brief moment in time to witness the Kingdom work He has given to us. The multiplication of Kingdom work all the way around.
- She was looking at the season she eventually wanted to be in, and was learning how to be there well.
In a moment of complete transparency, I think it has probably crossed the minds of most moms with young children who find themselves in the middle of a conversation, “Man, it sure would be easier to keep my train of thought and communicate what I feel led to communicate without having to pause the conversation due to simultaneously caring for children.” It may easier, that it is true. However, a less interrupted conversation doesn’t necessarily equate to a more valuable one. Just because something is more difficult does not always mean it should be avoided. In these moments of interruption that felt as though I was pulled away from moments of ministry, they were actually providing a precious window of insight into what biblical parenting looks like. Practical application that a parenting book or seminar could never provide! What a blessing for her to be able to witness this!
What a fresh and beautiful perspective this was for me…and such a good reminder to us all. The young adult ladies in your church body want nothing more than to be invited into what may seem messy, chaotic, or at a minimum an unideal circumstance. They want to see the most real, raw, and authentic version of who you are! That is the version they learn from the most as they navigate the season of life they are in. So, open your door…even with the unsorted laundry piled up in the living room. Their hearts are waiting to be met by yours!
