LEAD. August 2020 | Page 17

into horses. They are not fairies, yet they have a divine benevolent connection to the heavenly realm. Rather than a magic wand, they possess gritty grace that can be catalytic when you come in contact with it. Godmothers are not a new idea; the concept of godparents originated in the first-century church. In those days, believers were under heavy persecution, and godparents acted as spiritual gatekeepers and guides. Godparents personally vouched for the sincerity of those who sought fellowship and sanctuary among the fledgling body of believers. One of the many ways they did this was through relational discipleship. It wasn’t unusual for new converts to Christianity to be disowned by their families when they found Christ. Godparents played the role of the lost parents and were present at major life intersections such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. It was very different than it is today when godparents simply send greeting cards on birthdays, because their communities were far more intimate. Godmothers were engaged as they walked alongside their godchildren. Each was committed to helping their daughters give expression to this glorious mystery of Christ in us. Their relationship was based on covenant rather than competition. Godmothers wanted their goddaughters to go further in their life and faith than they had traveled themselves. To this end, they lifted their daughters with what they had learned. Though it will look different in our day, there is a desperate need for women who are more concerned with their goddaughters’ destiny than their history. Godmothers believe in who their goddaughters are becoming. We need brave women who are willing to pause from their own pursuits long enough to invite some daughters along. Spiritual mamas who believe LISTEN NOW THE GODMOTHER PODCAST Godmothers are those who recognize the gaps in our lives and call us higher. They see opportunities for growth, provide answers, and call out unrealized potential. Listen in as Lisa seeks to connect the goddaughters with the godmothers and watch how God uses relationships to bridge these gaps in our lives. 17