When she spoke the words, “My Dear,” I knew a word of wisdom was coming to re-direct my life. I braced myself for what was about to be spoken to me to alter this fresh, new detour my life was taking!

In the early 1970’s, one of my first mentors was a wise lady. I admired her walk with the Lord; therefore I set myself to find a way to impress her. [detour] Basically I would follow her instructions, read the scriptures, spend time in prayer, and listen to cassette tapes she recommended. After dedication to each discipline, and after listening to the cassettes, I would remark: “I’ve got it! I understand it!” Oh how I wanted her to witness my personal growth. [detour]

Recognizing my many detours, she would halt me in my tracks by saying, “My dear ~ don’t  you know that you haven’t ‘gotten it’ until you’ve fleshed it out!?!?!?!” Impress her? I did not. Yet she knew all too well how to re-direct my steps and lead me into truth ~ especially the truth about myself.

Countless times, as I made myself vulnerable before her, she would speak into my life hard sayings that were meant to bring shape and form to my otherwise undisciplined soul. Forty-some years later, I’m still quoting her. I would like to think that the words of wisdom she shared made the alterations needed. At least my memory still serves me as I can still hear her voice as if it was yesterday, “My dear!”

I can honestly say that I didn’t shrink back from this wise lady who had my number. In fact, I welcomed the discipline. Boundaries were set for my soul. Truth entered. And I learned that the Spirit of God will send mentors into our lives to keep us ‘on the leash’ so we, prone-to-wandering sheep, will be brought back to the fold.

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4