Young Mothers in Aglow

by Linda Jones, Director US Field Administration

This last week, we celebrated Mother’s Day, and I really began to think about Moms – especially young Moms.

I thought back to when I first started in Aglow. I was so shy that my husband once told me, “Honey, when I get rich, I will buy you some friends.” Yeah, I know that’s funny, but it truly was heartfelt. Honestly, at that time in my life, I did not go anywhere by myself.

One day, I happened to see a small 1” by 1” ad in our local newspaper for an interest meeting to start an Aglow group. I had no idea what an Aglow group was, but for some reason, which can only be attributed to the Lord, I went to that meeting alone, not knowing a single person there. The good news is that I felt instantly welcomed and received. Something in me started to change, and Aglow became an integral part of my life. I began a journey not knowing where I was going, but God brought many opportunities and many women into my life who are still lifelong friends today. 

When I began serving in Aglow, I was a young mother with two small children. Many times, I opened my home for times of prayer and Bible study. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was common for boards – teams – to have every position filled. Often, we had ‘full boards’ filled with up to 15-20 women serving in chair positions. There was no shortage of leaders. Perhaps it was because most wives and mothers were still homemakers and not working outside the home. But times change, and today, it is almost a luxury to be a homemaker and an at-home Mom. However, I am quite sure that those young mothers long for relationships with other women and want to grow their connection to the Lord.

I want to encourage you to be mindful of young mothers, young women who work, and those who may not work. Invite them to your meetings, maybe even offer to pick them up and bring them with you – have you ever thought about in the early days, Aglow was built by the Holy Spirit using young women. The Holy Spirit has not changed; He still wants to bring young women into the ministry. They are our future, and they are not too young to be leaders today. Young women need the wisdom of older women, and older women need the energy and creativity of young women. Young women make great leaders, too. Many of us were young moms when we started in Aglow. Don’t be afraid to give them a chance to lead. The Lord will use the younger and the older women together to lead your Lighthouse into bigger and more wonderful things. Trust Him and the plan He has for your community.

Today’s world is different than when many of us started out in Aglow, but I believe people are basically the same; the things we are fed through the news and social media have confused or try to confuse us. I believe Aglow is an end-time ministry. God has built truth in us, and He is counting on us to pass it on to the younger generations. Let’s be ALL He has intended us to be. Let Him expand our vision and open our hearts and eyes to those around us. Let’s welcome them in and give them a safe place to grow in the Lord.