Blessed by Renovaré: an older woman’s perspective

by Denise Werner

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another.  Colossians 3:12 – 13

Be kind and compassionate to one another.  Ephesians 4:32a

It was 1995 and we were new to Calvary, another woman in our welcome class invited me to join her Thursday morning, which was then “Coffee and Friends’ ‘ – we would be first time attendees together.  That was my beginning to a fabulous journey of Bible Study, friendship, support and encouragement.  

My first leader taught from the Bible but also led by her example of a Christian woman.  She mentored us and encouraged us to read our Bible daily, pray and develop friendships with the other women in our group.  I established friendships with women of all ages and walks of life.  

While listening and learning about others’ stories and situations, I discovered those who were in similar situations as mine.  We were able to support and encourage each other through young children, high school and sending off to college.  There were those ahead of me and those coming after – always offering a supportive word of encouragement as I did to them also. 

When my son was diagnosed with special needs, I found support from mothers who had or were presently walking that journey.  Through the years I have been there for others, offering a listening ear, support and never judging, as each of our situations is unique in its own way.  

After several years of attending, I was encouraged and challenged to become a group leader.  It was a blessing and a call to a higher level of encouraging others.  Through it all there were women that mentored, guided and prayed for me.  I found as I encouraged the women in our group, I was encouraged in return.  

Simple acts of kindness, meeting for coffee, spoken words, hugs, email – text – written note, listening or just being there all encourages us.  We each have our own love language as what fills us up best.  I am a card sender and gift giver, as the Holy Spirit places people on my heart; I send a note of prayer and encouragement.  Frequently people tell me it was exactly what they needed – God knew.

I have had the opportunity to receive mentorship and give it to other women both formally arranged and organic (divine appointment).  The “Apples of Gold” series brought women together of all ages to learn life skills, Bible study and encouragement.  I did the study twice, both as a younger woman and an older woman.  I have also been asked to come alongside several younger women to listen, support their marriage, child raising and serve the Lord as Christian women.   In one situation we meet every other week to share life, pray and read through and discuss Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth book “Adorned”.  We continue to have a fabulous friendship.

As my journey in life has changed and am now caring for my father who is in memory care.  God and the women of Calvary have provided support, guidance and encouragement.

Thursday mornings at Calvary have changed through the years but God is faithful and as women encourage other women they are encouraged in return.

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Denise is wife to Michael, mother to adult children Steven and Amy, and recently retired from a 40 year career of Nursing at Mayo Clinic.  She is presently part of the Prayer and Care Group at Renovaré.