Godmothers With Lisa BevereSample

Godmothers

What comes to mind when you think of a godmother?

A fairy godmother? (Sadly, they’re not a real thing.)

A mafia godmother? (Hopefully not a real thing.)

Or maybe you thought of a spiritual godmother—which desperately needs to become a very real thing.

Although I love to tease about it because I am half Sicilian, the godmothers I am talking about are in no way tied to the mafia. Nor can they change pumpkins into carriages or mice into horses. They are not fairies, yet they have a divine 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.

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. 

Although 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. We need brave women who are willing to pause from their own pursuits long enough to invite some daughters along. Spiritual mamas who believe the best of their daughters while knowing they will need help to get there. You don’t have to be old to be a godmother; you just have to be more spiritually mature.