Sisters, Sisters: My Spiritual Cheerleaders!
To God be all the glory for how He has so mightily used my sisters-in-Christ to minister to me during one of the most difficult times in my life. For such a time as this, God has given me a “royal priesthood” of sisters. My heart overflows with thanksgiving for each of them both near and far; they are “healers of my soul.”
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of my William’s passing on September 5, 2007, I am sharing reflections on how my lovingly devoted spiritual sisters stepped in and did what William knew they would do. Since that sorrowful day that his heart stopped beating to this occasion of precious memories, they have continually embraced me with tremendous love and support.
William Shakespeare once wrote, “A ministering angel shall my sister be.” Isadora James wrote, “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” I refer to my sisters-in-Christ as my “prayer warriors,” (Romans 12:12; First Thessalonians 5:17), my “spiritual cheerleaders” (First Thessalonians 5:11), and my “burden bearers” (Galatians 6:2).
The following acrostic expresses how my spiritual sisters have and continue to help me through my journey of widowhood:
S is for Selfless — My sisters go beyond themselves in reaching out to me with unconditional love. (A Christ-like love) Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
I remember my dear sisters coming to the hospital just to sit with me during William’s repetitive need for intensive care. Knowing that they would be unable to visit with him, they came to comfort me. They were willing to stop their “busy-ness” for a few moments- just for me!
I is for Inspiring — I am often uplifted and motivated by sisters-in-Christ “divine influence” as virtuous women of God. (Proverbs, Chapter 31) They have not failed to show their faith by their works. (James 2:14-26) Their willingness to share their God-given time, talents, and treasure has inspired me to continue to do likewise.
S is for Sensitive —This can be defined as being susceptible to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others. One passage of scripture that remains with me is Second Corinthians 1 verses 3 and 4. The Apostle Paul tells us that “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, the Father of all comfort, in all of our troubles and tribulations comfort us that we might comfort others.”
My sisters-in-Christ have shown their care for me despite their own need to be comforted. Many times, we have cried together- and that’s okay! I have learned that crying with others is also a way of ministering to others. Our Savior, Jesus wept with Mary and Martha as recorded in John, Chapter 11. Psalm 56:8 lets us know that God has a “Book of Tears.”
Carl Brecheen tells a story about a girl who went shopping with her mother. The two enjoyed the day together. As they prepared to go home, the girl asked permission to get an ice cream cone. Warning her daughter to be at the bus stop on time, the tired mother granted the girl’s request. But the girl did not return in time. The bus came and went, leaving an angry mother who was getting more furious by the minute. Finally, the girl returned without an ice cream cone. “Where have you been? We missed the bus!” her mother called out.
“l am sorry, momma,” the repentant girl replied. “But Jenny was at the ice cream parlor, and her doll broke.” After calming down, the mother asked, “What did you do, spend your time fixing the doll?” The girl looked up wide-eyed and answered, “No! I helped Jenny cry.” So, just like Jenny in this short story, I’ve needed someone to just cry with me.
T is for Trustworthy — My sisters-in-Christ have been so greatly reliable, dependable, loyal and true friends. Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
I have also heard it said, “A friend is one who knows all about you and loves you anyhow.” I am immeasurably blessed to have a spiritual sisterhood that has been by my side during the many ups and downs throughout my faith journey. Not only did they remain trustworthy as my husband’s health declined, but also when I too was touched by debilitating health issues. Although William is asleep in Jesus and my church family is privy to all that I have had to endure, I can walk with integrity among them.
E is for Edifying — The term edifying can be defined as to be uplifting, encouraging, and to build up spiritually. On the subject of sisters, someone once said, “Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.” King Solomon states in Proverbs 12:25, “Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop; but a good word makes it glad” and in Chapter 15, Verse 23, he concurs, “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”
I can certainly testify with a heart full of praise and gratitude for sisters-in-Christ who have bathed me with words of encouragement, faith, and hope. There were times during William’s extended hospital stays, that he would receive get well cards and I also would receive cards to lift me up. These varied heartfelt words of encouragement reminded William and me of God’s Divine power, presence, peace, provision, and protection.
R is for Refreshing — The act of refreshing can be a way of reviving with rest, food, drink, and (in my situation) shelter. Proverbs 11:25 states, “The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that waters shall be watered also himself.” And Jesus said in Mark 9 verse 41 “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” From the hearts and hands of my spiritual sisters, “a cup of water” was given to me in many ways and forms such as hospitality, groceries, monetary gifts, personal care gifts, cards of encouragement, phone calls, transportation, and lots of prayers, smiles, and hugs.
At the time that I received my diagnosis of breast cancer (February 2009), I was reading a book entitled, The Buzzards are Circling, but God’s not Finished with Me Yet! I decided to revisit a passage that used a bit of humor to help me to see that I have the opportunity to face life: just like a frog in a can of cream:
Two frogs fell into a can of cream, or so I’ve heard it told. The sides of the can were shiny and steep, the cream was deep and cold. “Oh, what’s the use?” said Number One, tis fate, no help’s around.” “Good-bye, my friend! Good-bye, sad world!” And weeping still, he drowned. But Number Two of sterner stuff, dog-paddled in surprise. While he wiped his creamy face and dried his creamy eyes, “I’ll swim awhile, at least,” he said, or so it has been said, “It really wouldn’t help the world if one more frog was dead.” An hour or two he kicked and swam, not once he stopped to mutter, but kicked and swam, and swam, and kicked – then hopped out, via butter!
Thank you, my sisters-in-Christ for so heartily cheering me on and for strengthening my soul to accept my lot as a widow-striving to make a difference.
