Mothers, Daughters and Sisters

While cleaning out files, reading through notes, emails and old Bible studies I found myself thinking about the women who have significantly effected my life.

On some level all the women that I have had the privilege of knowing and working along side of, while in Women's Ministry, have left me changed. But there are those among them that have touched a deeper part of me. They have become my sisters and daughters. I have had the privilege to walk along side them, and they have taught me so much. Then there are the women who have mothered me, each in a different way, a way only they could.

I leave this part of my journey with a part of each of them in my heart. While we will still see eachother, talk, care for one another and worship together, I know it will not be the same. God has called me to travel a different road.

There will still be moments of connecting - heart to heart - with my precious sisters as we worship and study God's word. We will not be working in ministry together so our relationship will be different. Only those that continue to make efforts will survive.

Now as I move on to a new ministry I will meet other sisters, mothers and daughters. They too will impact my life as I pour my life into them just as I have done in the past.

Only now I am stronger, more confident. I now know who I am and I know that God has a purpose for me and will use me in the lives of others. I know truth and how to speak it into the lies the enemy whispers to me. I know these things in part because I've walked along side my sisters and learned from them, but mostly I learned it from God. God has used each woman in my life and I pray that He has used me in theirs.

As I was reflecting and processing all these women in my life I realized what a gift each of them have been. Even those who have been less than loving during the time God used me in leadership. For they taught me patience, grace and forgiveness.

But there was one life that seemed a constant source of encouragement over the last 5 years. She has touched my life and heart in ways that I would have never thought possible. I thought those places were sealed - permenantly. But God used her to reach the places in my heart that needed nurturing. God knew I needed the nurturing love of a mother, a sister and a friend.

She shows me who I am in Christ. She believes in me because she believes in the One working in me. She constantly holds up a mirror so that I am reminded of who God says I am. She reminds me of truth and she loves me, warts and all! She is not old enough to be my mother but she has mothered me with the true heart of a mothers love. She has modeled before me what it means to be a godly woman, a nurturing mother. She has also been a sister, a true friend and kindred spirit.

Oh how blessed I am to have so many women in my life that I have had the privilege to serve, to walk along side of and learn to love. But my heart also grew very sad today. I know it was just a mourning of sorts for what I am leaving. The enemy of course would have me believe that none of these relationship will last, that "out of sight, out of mind" so to speak. But I am choosing to believe that there will be one or two that will continue the journey with me regardless the future, the distance in miles or ministry.

I heard this song and just wanted to play it for all my girlfriends. It's a video made to a show I never watch...so I am NOT endorsing the show. :-)