Transforming Together

By Alicia Liu

Recently through Kay Carey’s introduction, I read “Transforming Together - Authentic Spiritual Mentoring” by Ele Parrott before I embarked my journey as a spiritual mentor. I didn’t know what to expect about this book, but as soon as I started reading the book I couldn’t put it down until I was done. 

The stories of each woman intrigued me. I saw how much pain and suffering each one of them endured and sympathized with them. At the same time, I’m thankful that Jesus has a purpose in all their pains and wants to heal them wherever they are. Looking at their stories, I realized how much I’m blessed and my life has not had so much up and downs as some other women. It also reassures me that Jesus wants to heal my own pain and brokenness for His glory. As I cried over the stories while reading this book, I prayed and believed that Jesus can transform them and me. 

This book also made me realize how much God loved me by blessing me with spiritual mentors in my early 30’s to shape and mold my mind to be more Christ-like. They loved me because God loved me. They sacrificed their precious time listening to my stories, praying over me, speaking truth into my life, and giving me affirmations that my parents didn’t. 

I’m very thankful that I can have an opportunity to be a spiritual mentor to someone younger and hopefully able to do it the right way - the Jesus way. The way Jesus mentors people is so contrary to the way the world mentors. Jesus is full of knowledge and wisdom, but in His loving and patient ways he helped people to realize their root problems by asking questions and listening actively, instead of rebuking them even though He has every right to do so because He knows the situations and their hearts. Jesus walked with us through the process so that they can gain greater understanding. Jesus really humbles me.    

I’m also relieved that I don’t have to be all together for my mentee. My strength and wisdom come from my partnership with the Holy Spirit. He leads guides and answers me always. I just have to be present, grieve and celebrate with her whatever the situation calls. I don’t have to fix her problems and I’m not responsible for her choices. At the right timing, the Holy Spirit will prompt me to speak truth into her life. It is such a privilege to able to serve my mentee in this way. 

I hope that you will be encouraged by this book and I pray that you will join the Holy Spirit to start a new exciting adventure with the Lord in spiritual mentoring soon too.