Mary Margaret West has been leading in women’s and girls’ ministry for the last 15 years and now serves as the director of women and young couples at First Baptist Church in Orlando, FL. She has a passion for equipping girls and women to dive deeply into God’s Word and live out their calling. Mary Margaret lives out her passion by training, consulting, and speaking at events and conferences. She has a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of Show Her the Way: Your Guide to Discipling Teen Girls. Mary Margaret and her husband, Jonathan, live in Orlando. Connect with her on Instagram at @marymargaret.west.
We rarely do things without purpose. Whether it’s decisions we make, words we speak, or opportunities we take, they are typically on purpose. The same goes for investing in younger women. It’s not going to happen by accident, and it requires purpose and intention. As I have discipled and mentored younger women throughout my adult life, it has never happened by accident. I had to find time, make it a priority, and be consistent.
We’re all busy in our own way. Some of us have full calendars, and others of us are busy with things no one sees on the surface. When it comes to how you not only spend your time, but how you invest it, when was the last time you thought about the purpose of your time? Have you created any margin in your schedule for new opportunities? Seasons in our lives may vary in regard to margin, but God wants to use each season for His glory.
Everything that Jesus did was on purpose. His words and actions were intentional, He took every moment captive, and we have the incredible opportunity to learn from His example. Jesus made time for kids. Even when his disciples tried to send the kids away, Jesus rebuked them.
“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16 (CSB)
Sometimes we do the same thing the disciples did—we see something as an obstacle or an unnecessary task rather than seeing it as an opportunity to serve those around us. Have you begun investing in the lives of women younger than you? If you haven’t, the opportunities are vast, and the need is immediate. There may not ever be a perfect time, but there will always be a need. You have something to offer a younger woman because you have been there—you have been her age, you have faced trials, and you have a story to tell.
I am so excited to partner with women of the SBC of Virginia to invest in the lives of middle and high school girls for the Purpose Girls Conference. Maybe there’s a teenage girl in your extended family, your neighborhood, or somewhere in your life. How could this event change not just her life but yours also if you spend an evening growing together in Christ?
Let’s take the opportunities God has put in front of us and pray—pray that He would guide and direct us and show us His purpose for the season we’re in. Be obedient to His leading and listen for direction. God is always faithful to give us purpose!
