I spoke last week at a women's event on "Honoring Dishonorable Parents." I was so encouraged to see so many women of all ages attend. There were women with their babies, women whose children were in elementary school, women who had high schoolers, women who were empty nested, and women who were great, great grandmothers in the audience.
Before the event began, I was encircled by several women who prayed over me and the event and was touched by their sincere prayer that God would speak to hearts. Someone commented about the subject matter being "heavy." It took me by surprise a little. That's not to say that I don't agree, but it dawned on me that I had become so acquainted with this topic that I lost some of its portent.
Several women poured their hearts out to me after I spoke. Most were in a very difficult situation with their aging parents. Some were confused by what they were taught about honor in their families and what biblical honor looks like as adults. Others were thankful for the relationship they had with their in-laws, even though the relationship with their parent(s) was strained.
I asked the women to discuss four questions in their small group time. I'd like to hear from you as well. Here are two of the questions I asked the women:
- In your family growing up, what did it mean to "honor your parents?"
- Now that you are an adult, has that meaning changed? In what ways?
I'd love to hear from you, even if it's just a line or two! Sometimes it's helpful to hear about others' experience as we're reflecting about our own. It helps us not feel so isolated and different.