Several months ago I had a choice between two bible studies.
One was a Touchy Feel-y Mother’s Bible Study. Wisdom for the Weary Mom, or something like that.
The other was a meaty, gutsy Beth Moore Study. Something you can really sink you teeth into.
Naturally, I turned my nose up at the soppy mother’s study and wanted to engage with Beth a little.
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Oh how I love a good Beth Moore study. They totally appeal to the Pharisee in me. Word Studies. Exegesis. Historical Journeys. Archeological Facts. Who doesn’t love pulling out the Strong’s to look up Greek and Hebrew and Feed the Intellect?
And besides that, I can totally rock a Beth Moore Study. As a veteran Baptist, I’m really good at the whole Baptist Bible Study Style. Why wouldn’t I choose something to Feed my Pride and make me look Super Spiritual in front of everyone? What a great opportunity to become a Shining Light of Wisdom as I get to know people at this new church!
So, I was ready to sign on the dotted line, when that Still Small Voice said, “Go to the Mother’s Group.”
Huh? What? You want me to go to the Soppy, Touchy Feel-y, Help Me I’m Floundering Group? But I don’t know anything about Motherhood!! I can’t look good over there! They’ll think I’m a Blithering Idiot!
“Exactly! I want you to be where your Soul can learn something, not just your head. Be Humbled. Be Vulnerable. Make some friends!”
So, with great fear and trembling I went to the Wisdom for Moms group. And it was the best Bible Study I’ve done in years. There was no Fluff in this Study – just lots of Meat to chew on and strengthen my Soul. It totally fit with the book I was reading, “Sacred Parenting”, and the long journey of learning to let go of ambition and a drive to perform. And it helped me to embrace The High Calling of Motherhood a little more closely.
As an added bonus, I now have awesome new friends and comrades. People I can call when I need a coffee break or a play date in the park. Or just to sit and talk about my new Quest for Health. Recently I discovered that I am about as comfortable with these people as I was in the church I grew up in… after many years of never quite feeling acceptance amongst Christians and in churches, I’m actually finding myself looking forward to seeing these friends and being a part of The Church.
What kind of Bible Studies do you like?
The ones that grab the heart, or the intellectual kind?
I have done a few Beth Moore studies, and I find I'm not so much a fan. I didn't like flipping around all over the Bible constantly, and I found them a little … dry. Maybe they're not all like that. I prefer books studies … as in studying a book of the Bible. Maybe even just going verse by verse and discussing it with a group. Wow, I haven't done one like that in a long time!
Hmm… I never thought of that aspect of her studies! And I agree, I do love the verse by verse book studies. Gives you a chance to understand the context of the whole book rather than just pulling a verse out here and there.
Thanks for the challenge and insight xxxx
Ness… we need to get together for a coffee some time… I'll figure out the time difference, and we can video skype !!! Miss you, Friend!
Boy, are we thankful you came to that study!!! Now all these weary moms have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you, Anne 😀 You went from a missionary with a really cool accent to one of my closest friends. Thank you for obeying God. We have certainly learned that the Lord teaches us exactly what we need…when we need it! Praise the Lord!!!