That they may teach the young women to be sober: the word "sophronizo" is translated here "teach to be sober". It means to make to be of sound mind, discipline or correct (fig). That seems (to me) to suggest that the older women should take on a maternal role with the younger women, training them in the way they should conduct themselves. This makes me think of this verse: Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
The younger women should look to those who are older as an example to follow and as a teacher. The older women should take on the role that has been given them to be that ensample and teacher. There have been two notable women in my life that have served in this capacity. The first was Granny. Granny was a quiet, modest, hard-working woman who spent her life taking care of others. My mind pictures of her show her cooking up everyone's favorite dishes in her kitchen, ironing clothes that she "took in" to help out with their financial needs, out working in her garden or mowing their yard (as well as all the other places in the near vicinity that needed it!), sitting at her "desk" or the kitchen table reading her Bible (even when she had to use a magnifying glass to do so), or kneeling beside their bed with Granddaddy at night. I can't count the number of times that she came to take care of my brother and myself when Momma was sick or in the hospital. My favorite memories were going to her house on holidays or during the summer...even living with her for a few months when I first moved out "on my own". Although she was basically a shy person, it didn't keep her from getting on to anyone (in the family) who needed it! If you sat at her table, you minded your manners! She also took in a couple of children (when she was in her 60's) to care for and raise...just because she knew they needed someone. She loved her Lord, her family, and her fellow man and she showed it in every way she could. She never had much (in material things), never asked for anything, but gave all she had. Granny has "gone on" now, but she will always live in my heart.
The other woman who I feel like has always been a Titus 2 woman is Vicki Fields. I was blessed to get to know Vicki while I was still a teenager. I needed a place to stay during one of the camp meetings in Colorado, and she graciously took in a stranger and made me part of her family. She was always someone that I could go to for advice or just to talk to when I needed someone to listen. She has never been shy about sharing her beliefs and instruction, but has always done so with meekness and love. I'm so thankful that she now plays the same role in my daughter's life.
I thank God for the presence of both of these wonderful women in my life! (I wish I had a picture on my computer that I could upload for Granny, but we don't have a scanner.)
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