Intentional Sisterhood
- Jena Forehand
- Aug 3, 2020
- 2 min read
Just yesterday, I witnessed what authentic sisterhood looks like. A 25 year old young woman was deeply wounded by an older gentleman who called himself a Christian, but certainly did not act like one. As we were all busy about our day, I noticed a lady had stopped by to pick up something. What should have taken 5 minutes, had taken her an hour. I remember thinking, "What is she doing in there?" A few minutes later, I saw her come out, jump in her car, and head home. She didn't share what she was doing. She didn't care what others thought.
I later found out that she had come intentionally, NOT to get her package, but rather to bring a gift to the young woman that was hurting. She gave her time. She listened. She identified. She encouraged her. She purchased a card to remind her. She loved her with the love of Jesus. This is the essence of sisterhood.
In Matthew 20:30, Scripture says that Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, and a large crowd was following them. But in the busyness and chaos, two blind men yelled out to Jesus for help. The Bible says these two beautiful words, "Jesus stopped." How powerful.
Jesus could have been caught up in His own platform, priorities, position or pressing purpose at that moment, and yet, He stopped. He stopped to care for the one who was crying out for help. I praise God that Jesus stopped for me. I am thankful that He stopped for me when I called out to Him to save me. Jesus stopped for me. Wow.
And we have been called to be like Jesus.
Yesterday, I saw firsthand what authentic sisterhood is all about. It's about stopping for the one who needs Jesus. Who needs encouragement. Who needs someone to listen and care. Who needs to know that they are seen, heard, and prayed for.
Who is God going to put in your path this week for you to stop for? Be alert for one, and intentionally stop for a sister who just might need you.
What have you found often keeps us from stopping?
I agree ladies, stepping out can be intimidating to me. There are times I feel the urge to say or do something and I pause. I question whether or not it was the Holy Spirit , the safety, of the situation ,etc... By the time my conversation in my head has stopped I have missed the opportunity! I am praying to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be strong courageous !
Our own busyness, insecurities, and fear can certainly hold ya back from bringing our authentic self in friendship and sisterhood with others. Such great words about stepping out on faith, following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results on His hands is such a beautiful thing. My prayer for all of us is that the Holy Spirit will help us recognize every opportunity and us not miss the privilege of sharing Christ with others, serving others in love, and praying for others! What a gift to bless others and in turn receive such blessing from it!!! We can never put give God!!!
This is what Jesus means in Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. We all need help on this journey Home. We all need to know that someone cares. 'Little is much when God is in it..."
Sometimes it's scary to step out of that comfort zone. The enemy likes to tell me "well thats none of your business, there's nothing you can do anyway". And that is a lie! I pray to be more bold in this area. Im 30 years old and have had so many women guide me in my life or just be a listening ear. I pray to do the same.
What I have found that keep me from stopping— it can be intimidating to step out. And even when we do, it can be a disheartening experience. I just pray and do what the Lord is asking me to do. He’s in control— not me.