"Younger women are more valuable to the Kingdom. Churches want them, not me."
How it sounds in your head: Look at who gets asked to speak, to lead, to be on stage. They're always under 40, photogenic, relatable to the younger demographic the church wants to reach. You're the demographic they're trying to move past.
"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children."
-- Titus 2:3-4Cultural youth worship and marketing-driven church strategy that values numbers over wisdom.
Every conference lineup, every book cover, every promotional image features young women. You've been in the church for decades and watch newcomers get asked to lead while you're overlooked.
Anna was 84 years old, a widow who never left the temple, and SHE was the one who recognized the Messiah when He was presented as a baby. Her age and faithfulness positioned her to see what everyone else missed—and she immediately began proclaiming Him.
I REFUSE the lie that younger is better. IT IS WRITTEN that older women are COMMANDED to teach, which means I carry something the young desperately need. Anna was 84 when she recognized Messiah—her age was her ADVANTAGE. IT IS WRITTEN that the blessing of Abraham is mine through Christ, and that blessing doesn't diminish with age. I am not competing; I am COMPLETING. My years are not liability—they're LEGACY. I carry wisdom, perspective, and battle scars that train the next generation.
The Father hasn't shelved you for a younger model—He's been FORGING you into the elder stateswoman the younger generation is starving for. Your wrinkles are your credentials, and He's about to connect you with spiritual daughters who need what only you carry.