In a day when we rely on communication through cyber-space, email, and cell phones to connect, isn’t it good to just unplug from technology and plug into one another? I had an opportunity to do just that this past weekend.
So often I’ll text a friend, she’ll text back . . . but, I can’t hear her heart.
It was a gift to go away with gal-friends for time to catch up, breathe, pray. . . and connect. Shared moments of quiet renewal. Grace-friends quietly awed by the power of God connecting our hearts while embracing our differences.
When I was younger, I wasn’t much for females, coffee chats, or home interior parties, but I stayed faithful to my loyals and didn’t want to lose them. Plus, I was pretty impressed with Lucy and Ethel.
Friends are indispensable.
In the Bible, one beautiful account of friendship is in the story of Naomi and Ruth. They helped the other through very different ages and stages of life. In-laws in-love, who wanted the best for the other. Naomi wanted security for Ruth . . . Ruth wanted provision for Naomi.
I think of what my life’s journey would be without the holy connections placed on my path. Father God provided a Naomi (or Ruth) to hold my hand, a tangible earthly understanding in many different settings and circles.
Soul-blend and heart fusion, the gift of sisterhood.
Women help build women. Iron sharpens iron.
Throughout life we enjoy the balance and sweet mix of old and new friends. I won’t take for granted my childhood friends who continue to be there. . . they knew me when and still remain. They’re the beloved buddies that seem to know what’s going on in your life without needing a word from you.
Women ministering to women isn’t a new idea. The apostle Paul wrote a first century letter recorded in Titus to encourage women to come alongside another to share truth and be a worthy influence.
I’m grateful for my healing, sheltering friends who have been there in the middle of my midnight. Geography and time doesn’t make them less visible or available.
We can identify the Naomis who have invested into different seasons of our lives. Be grateful.
We often think of mentors as older than ourselves . . .
Thankfully, I know quite a few younger women older than me.
The mentoring friend-sister connection who is simply a deep heart who opened hers to yours and gave you a safe place to step in. Can you name her?
A friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Verna
Glenda Mills says
September 13, 2012 at 5:15 pmBeautiful post Verna…I love the heart connections God gives through other sisters in the faith, no matter what age we are and whereever we live. I am so grateful He gave me you! Blessings dear sister and friend!
verna says
September 13, 2012 at 5:28 pm. . . and mutually grateful for God’s good gift to me, you . . . a sheltering friend.
vondaskelton says
September 13, 2012 at 7:28 pmI’ve been blessed with many sister-friends in my life. I’d name them, but I’m afraid I might leave someone out. But you’re certainly one of the friends I’m thankful for! 🙂
verna says
September 13, 2012 at 8:17 pmThank you, Vonda. . . you will remain on my list of those who’ve left forever tracks on my heart . . .
Helene Bates says
September 13, 2012 at 10:25 pmAs I read this post, Verna, i thought of the all gals from our retreats and how from the very first one I attended, you welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. I was going throught some very difficult times the first couple years and your many kindesses to me were a balm to my heart and soul. So thankful for you . . . xx
verna says
September 14, 2012 at 6:51 amSpecial times of deep connection that we’ll always remember . . . and I remember that you were the first one there to welcome our team as we arrived . . . it meant so much to know it meant so much! Miss you!
marciagaddis says
September 14, 2012 at 4:10 pmyour words are beautiful and paint word pictures for me, Verna. I do love my girlfriends and have a whole new group of Megan’s friends who want to stay in touch with me…imagine that!
vernabowman says
September 14, 2012 at 6:00 pm. . .thank you for your kind comment. . . if we filter our lives through times without our precious friends, it would’ve been so different! I’m sure you especially cherish the relationships you have made with your other dear daughters . . love you, Marcia!
Hannah S. Hunter says
September 14, 2012 at 7:54 pmso good as usual. Can I say that women friends become even more valuable when you face widowhood. They are one unmovable force in your life that carries you. How right that we need to connect heart to heart. God always looks at the heart.
verna says
September 14, 2012 at 8:22 pmI’m certain women ministering to you in your need has meant everything to you, Hannah . . . I agree, it is the force our Father provides to carry us through those times. Thank you for sharing.
Janeen Ippolito says
September 26, 2012 at 8:15 pmA very sweet post. I was never one for close relationships growing up–too much moving around. But God blessed me with a group of friends in high school and in college and we’ve stayed connected since then. While texting and the internet can seem less personal, they have really helped me stay connected in some place–your blog, for one, is always refreshing. As long as I remember call people every now and then as well.