Sisterhood

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9 MSG

Sisterhood: a bond between two or more girls, not always related by blood. They always tell the truth, honor each other, and love each other like sisters. (urban dictionary)

(This is part one in a series about sisterhood.)

I am so blessed to know many amazing women. I’ve been surrounded by them my entire life. My grandmothers, my mom, sisters, aunts, cousins. I can write books about them. But right now, I'm not writing about family. I'm writing about the wonderful friendships God has given me. The sisters He has sent my way and continues to send.

A few years ago, when I started my Grace and Girlfriends Facebook page, my fabulous friend Regina was the first person I confided in. I shared my ideas and dreams for the future with her, and she was so incredibly supportive. When I finally went into the next phase, which was my blog, again, I shared it with Regina and my sweet friend Lanette. I was nervous and a little scared. I was putting my heart out there. Both my friends encouraged me along the way. Their enthusiasm and “you can do it Jenny!” was exactly what I needed. After my girlfriends would read the blogs, my cheerleader friends would comment, call, or text me with a “that blessed me” or a “keep doing it girl!” What they were really doing with their love and words was building me up. I felt like a flower that they were watering and spreading sunshine on. Then I started to get amazing feedback from other women. Some were comments on the blogs themselves, some were private messages, others were texts. My heart was full. Such sweet inspiration from other women who, with their words, were helping to build my confidence.

At the end of last year, I saw a post on social media that posed the question, “what’s your word for the year going to be?” After some thought, God put on my heart to uplift and encourage other women. Uplift and encourage, I guess that’s 2 words. I started to think about how I could do that. Early one morning, as I was getting ready to walk my dogs, I was pondering this again. It was dark outside. It was the first time in our new neighborhood that I walked them by myself without my husband or sons. I put on my sweater, got my keys, phone and headphones, and put on some worship music. I went out the door—expecting to see no one. Remember, it was very early. What I saw brought back a flood of memories. Everywhere I walked, I saw working women—moms with young children, some still in jammies, some ready for school, and mom carrying them and putting them in warming cars. Most were in a hurry, but one mom grinned at me and my dogs. I smiled at her and her blankie covered toddler. It took me back to my childhood, and my own mother—waking me and my sister up early to go to my grandparents before school. We’d wait for our ride and she’d go to work.

I don’t know if any of the women I saw that morning are single moms. I do know this: they’re busy. Women today, start their days before the sun rises. We are wives, moms, leaders, sisters, and friends. We work full time, or part time, or full AND part time at the same time! And that’s everyday life. What about the unexpected things that come up? The car breaking down. The sick child. Divorce. The unexpected? Life's a journey with all kinds of experiences. We aren’t made to do life alone. I love my God, and He has given me a husband who shares just about everything with me—household chores, cooking, volunteering, raising our family.

I also have two sons that sometimes I joke, love me too much.

But there is another part of me that needs fellowship with my sisters in Christ. For me, a special time has been my girlfriend praise time. During these times, I can be transparent and talk about my dreams, hopes, and even my fears. My girls and I have met for coffee that was meant as an hour get together, and turned into a fun, prayer, tear-filled, laugh-fest. And in the middle of all this, is Jesus. He is the reason we get together. I can tell you, that every time I have been a part of girlfriend praise time--- and it’s with different ladies, there has always been a need that Jesus has met. A purpose, because God is in the details.

I hope to run into those ladies that I saw in the early morning again. I haven’t yet, but I have said prayers for them. And I hope they know God loves them.

Before I go, I just want to tell you something. You are an amazing woman. God created you and you are who He says you are. You are clothed in strength and dignity. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are strong and courageous. You are forgiven. You are empowered. You are created with a purpose. God is within you, you will not fail.

Challenge: The bible says in Proverbs 18:21 (Message), “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” What are you choosing? Poison or fruit? Death or life?