Skip to Main Content
Women of the ELCA
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
  • Ministry & Action
    • Discipleship
    • Justice
      • Human Trafficking
      • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
      • Racial Justice Advocacy
      • Racial Justice Advocacy Network resources
      • Domestic Violence
    • Membership
    • Stewardship
      • Thankofferings
      • Faithful Friends
      • Katie’s Fund
      • Gift Planning
    • Special Initiatives
      • Rachel’s Day
      • Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls
    • Scholarships
      • Lutheran laywomen
      • Lutheran Ordained Ministry
  • Resources
  • About
    • History
    • Executive Board
    • Staff
    • Get Involved
  • Events
  • Belong
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
« Back to WELCA Blog

Are you called to serve as a mentor?
by Eva James Yeo

3.12.2020
1 Comment
|
Post

During Women’s History Month, I often think of the sheroes who have influenced my life. My mom, Dorothy, and my aunt Louise are two of my favorite women who continue to nurture me.

I did not grow up with a sister, so I admired their stories of being sisters and laughed as they shared tales of growing up, sticking together to support one another, and the adventures they had playing together.

They grew up with a bold mother who taught herself to play the piano and then gave lessons to children in her church and community.

Grandmother’s boldness

Dorothy in chair and her sister, Louise

Their mother, Ms. Catherine, was a housekeeper, chef, and caregiver for a local doctor after his wife passed away. She raised his three children and her two daughters. She took pleasure in caring for her daughters and instilling in them faith and education essential to their life and family.

After Ms. Catherine retired from her job with Dr. Smith, she decided, at 70 years old, to go back to school to earn her high school diploma. This was a rewarding accomplishment for her and an achievement of perseverance she shared with her daughters. After graduating, she began tutoring school-age children at the library to fulfill a promise to continue learning and growing.

Dorothy and Louise, educators, retired 20 years, continue to live out their legacy to connect with women and children. Dorothy teaches and mentors the younger women in her family and neighborhood, and Louise is an active member of her church choir and mentors women on their faith journey.

My sheroes had a calling to ministry. Check out the free resource “Called to be Women in Mission” under our Called To series and find how you are called to serve others, possibly as a mentor.

Eva James Yeo is director for membership for Women of the ELCA. Photo by Elizabeth McBride of Eva showing Iyana, grandaughter of former executive board member Deborah Banks-Williams, how to sew on National Quilting Day 2019.

Share this post

Categories

  • Post (1,351)
  • News (306)
    • Gathering 2021 (9)
    • Triennial Convention 2021 (7)
    • Just Love Gathering 2023 (3)
    • Triennial Convention 2023 (1)
  • Devotions (98)
  • 2122 (8)
  • Uncategorized (2)
Back to home

8765 W. Higgins Rd.

Chicago IL 60631

800-638-3522

[email protected]

Stay In Touch

Sign up for the WELCA Newsletter

Explore WELCA
  • Ministry & Action
  • Daily Grace
  • Resource Library
  • Events
  • Blog
  • News
  • About WELCA
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Photos
Explore Publications

Bold Cafe

A Lutheran perspective for women of Christian faith or any woman who is interested in how faith relates to the issues facing women today.

Gather Magazine

A mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith.

Cafe Podcast

Subscribe to our podcast:

Click to subscribe

© Copyright 2025 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
© Copyright 2025 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.