Transformation Now!!!

In case you missed it, the Mothers’ Union theme for this year is “Transformation Now”. All members are being called to:

· Transform ourselves, personally and spiritually, to live out our faith.

· Transform the churches and communities we work with and of which we are a part, to reflect Christ's kingdom.

· Transform the Mothers' Union to be relevant for 21st century life.

That is a lot of transformation that needs to be done, but it is not impossible to achieve. Paul, in Chapter 12, verse 2 of his letter to the Romans makes the following appeal: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect".

Indeed, the Church has been receiving this call to transformation for a long time. Therefore, there is no time like the present for the Mothers’ Union - an organization which was before its time - to embrace this transformational aspect of its ministry by going forth, not only to transform the lives of persons in our community, but in the same breath to be transformed ourselves. How might we do this?

Transforming Ourselves

- By developing an even closer relationship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This means more time being spent in intentional and focused prayer and worship.

- More time attending or leading Bible study.

- More time in quiet reflection and meditation and most importantly

- Listening to the voice of the Lord as He speaks to each of us as individuals.

Transforming Churches and Communities

- By being more attentive and responsive to the needs of others. Sometimes as members of this organization, we become more distracted by the nuts and bolts of the Mothers’ Union and miss the overall vision of the Ministry and what it can achieve in the lives of others.

Transforming the Mothers’ Union

- By stepping out boldly and confidently.

- The Mothers’ Union need not be afraid of forming partnerships with other organisations that share our values. We should not be afraid to be the voice of the people, speaking out on issues that affect families.

- We should also not be afraid to embrace change. Not just change for change’s sake, but transformational change – change that is relevant to the ongoing work of ministry in our current contexts.

As we draw close to the beginning of Lent, this is a perfect opportunity for members of the Mothers’ Union to begin to take steps to transform their own personal lives. So how can each of us transform our own personal lives?

This year, rather than giving up something for Lent, how about taking on something for Lent? Something that will ultimately transform your life, the life of your church community and the Mothers’ Union. Some helpful suggestions:-

- If you are not a member of a Bible study group, consider joining one

- Volunteer to play a role in your church services or to serve your church community in some way;

- Be a prayer warrior for your Mothers’ Union group;

- Does your Mothers Union group have prayer sessions? Volunteer to lead some of these.

While it is, of course, important to look at the spiritual, let us not forget the physical and mental aspects of your transformation. Are you experiencing challenges with your health? Take this opportunity during Lent to adopt healthier eating practices and reduce the unhealthy options. Are you having difficulty staying motivated? Find a fellow Mothers’ Union member and ask for help from that person.

For your mental health, set a goal to reach out to a friend and go for lunch or dinner or just spend some time with someone. As COVID restrictions are being eased, we know that many persons will find it challenging to even think about going outside or interacting with others, but during Lent, it is a perfect opportunity to see friends and family that you have not seen in quite some time.

Finally, laugh or, as directed by the well-known children’s song, “smile awhile, and give your face a rest.” It helps more than you think.