mentoring | SingleRoots

Guys, don't let your twenties just happen to you...

Now that I’m at the ripe, old age of 31, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the things I learned while experiencing my twenties as a single guy. My list is mainly beneficial if you’re of the male demographic, but I’m sure that it can speak to the ladies too. (Even if it’s a “Yeah, Ryan, preach it, brother!”)

Hopefully, one of my life lessons can save you some heartache, point you in a new direction, or just give you something to think about…

1. Only in emergencies should you live with your parents. And if you must, put a time limit on it. Girls see this as a red flag.

2. If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it. Your future family shouldn’t be paying interest on the big screen you bought when you were 21.

3. Girls don’t care what kind of car you drive. They mainly care if you have drive — as in, whether or not you have enough ambition to support a family someday.

4. Working on a career versus working on an Xbox game has a much bigger payoff in the long run, according to Donald Miller. He’s right. [Read more...]

Teachers union © by kevin dooley

I’m mentoring two women who are over the age of 50.

I’m also a good 20 years younger than them.

Only God.

One has grandchildren.

Only God.

A few months ago, I started volunteering with the local Christian Women’s Job Corps. It’s a ministry that seeks to equip women with skills they need for job readiness. I can’t speak for all CWJC sites, but at mine, a group of 8-12 women go through a 9-week semester of training in everything from interviewing skills to computer literacy to healthy relationships. They begin each day with Bible study, and they learn the strength that comes from loving each other in community.

Some of these women have been in prison. Some have suffered abuse. Some have conquered drug or alcohol addiction. Others struggle with mental illness.

All of them are bettering themselves in order to change their lives. They know that the paths they were traveling down have led them nowhere, and they understand that their stories have to change. [Read more...]