How God Gave Me a Spiritual Mom When I Needed One Most

There are people God places in our lives who leave a mark on our hearts forever. As I look back on my own journey, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am in my faith without the woman I call my spiritual mom. She has prayed for me, encouraged me when I wanted to give up, gently pointed me back to God’s truth, and reminded me that I was never walking alone. I wanted to share what her friendship has meant to me because I believe God often works through people to draw us closer to Him.

I never expected the life-changing journey that was about to begin when I walked into a coffee shop in 2018. At the time, it felt like an ordinary meeting with someone, who my mom knew and wanted me to meet. I had no idea God was orchestrating something far greater than I could see. Looking back now, I realize He was introducing me to someone who would become one of the greatest blessings of my life. I didn’t know I needed a spiritual mom until He brought her into my life.

There have been many seasons throughout our relationship when anxiety and depression have completely consumed me. At times, I still feel like I’m failing in my faith because no matter how much I pray, I struggle to find the peace my heart longs for. Even now, there are days when those feelings still overwhelm me.

Instead of telling me I just need to have more faith, she sits with me, prays over me, and gently reminds me that God isn’t disappointed in me—and neither is she. She continually points me back to God’s truth when my mind wants to believe the worst. Because of her love, patience, and unwavering encouragement, I’m learning that I don’t have to hide my struggles to be loved by God or by the people He has placed in my life.

Looking back now, I can see His hand in every conversation, every prayer, and every piece of encouragement she offered. There were so many times when I questioned myself, doubted my faith, or wondered if I was growing at all. She always had a way of reminding me that God wasn’t finished with me yet.

One of the greatest gifts she has given me is consistency. She has been there during seasons when life felt overwhelming and during seasons when everything seemed to be going well. She has seen the darkest seasons as well as the brightest ones. Her love hasn’t depended on how strong or weak my faith was at the moment. Instead, she has consistently pointed me back to Jesus rather than allowing me to stay focused on my circumstances or my feelings. She never dismissed my feelings or expected me to simply move on. She gave me space to process them, but she always gently pointed me back to Jesus, reminding me where my hope was found.

There have been many days when I have felt emotionally exhausted, anxious, or discouraged. During those moments, she hasn’t always had the perfect words, but she has always known exactly where to point me. Sometimes it has been a Bible verse. Sometimes it has been a simple prayer prayed over me or with me when I couldn’t find the words myself. Other times, it has simply been her willingness to listen without judgment. Looking back, I realize those moments have taught me just as much as any Bible study ever could.

One verse that reminds me of her is Proverbs 27:17:

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

That verse perfectly describes what spiritual friendship should look like. She has never tried to make me become more like her. Instead, she has always encouraged me to become the person God created me to be. She has lovingly challenged me when I needed improvement, celebrates my successes, and reminds me to trust God even when I can’t understand what He is doing.

I have also learned that spiritual growth isn’t something we were meant to experience alone. It’s easy to think we should have all the answers or be able to figure everything out by ourselves. I used to believe that if my faith was strong enough, I wouldn’t need anyone else’s help. But God has shown me that He often uses people as part of His plan to strengthen us.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says:

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

I have experienced that verse firsthand. There have been many moments when I have felt like I was falling, and she helped lift me back up. Not by fixing every problem, but by reminding me that God was still holding me close.

One thing I admire most is that she has never made our relationship about herself. Every conversation somehow points back to Christ. She reminds me to seek God’s voice before anyone else’s. She encourages me to spend time in Scripture, to pray honestly, and to trust God’s timing even when it feels painfully slow.

She has also taught me what grace truly looks like. She has been patient when I had questions, compassionate when I struggled, and loving enough to gently correct me when I needed it. She never corrected me to make me feel small, but to help me grow closer to Christ. Watching her live out her faith has taught me that Christianity isn’t just about knowing Scripture—it’s about living it every day.

Looking back, I’m thankful that God knew exactly what I needed before I even knew to ask. He saw the places where I needed encouragement, accountability, wisdom, and grace long before I recognized those needs myself. In His kindness, He placed someone in my life who reflected His love in so many ways.

If you’re reading this and you have someone like that in your life, thank God for them. Tell them how much they mean to you. People who faithfully pour into others often don’t realize how much of an impact they’re making.

If you don’t have a spiritual mentor yet, don’t lose hope. Pray that God would bring the right person into your life. He knows exactly who you need, and His timing is always perfect. Sometimes the answer to our prayers comes in the form of a faithful friend, a mentor, or someone willing to simply walk beside us.

As I continue growing in my own faith, I hope I can become that kind of person for someone else someday. I want to encourage others the way I’ve been encouraged. I want to listen without judgment, pray faithfully, and point people back to Jesus just as she has done for me.

My spiritual mom has reminded me that faith isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about continuing to trust God one step at a time. I’m incredibly grateful that God chose to use her in my life, and I know that because of her example, my relationship with Him is stronger today than it was yesterday.

Sometimes God answers our prayers with miracles. Other times, He answers them with people. For me, He answered with a spiritual mom, and I will always thank Him for that beautiful gift.

Many Blessings,

Lisa Marie