Sister To Sister

I had a devotional in the works for this week and then I got the news of Emma Stewart’s passing.  I can’t focus on much else. We are all sisters in this district and so many of us know Michelle, Emma’s mom. In our district alone we’ve lost two beautiful daughters that I know of this year and possibly more. I’m sure many of you are struggling with this as my family is. My kids used to go to school with Michelle’s kids. My daughter sometimes played with Emma on the playground. Many of you know or have prayed for Lisa Tapley or knew her daughter Sarah. It just doesn’t make sense to us in the natural, and it hurts.

“rejoice with those who rejoice”, and “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV).

As our district mourns the passing of another “valiant warrior princess” we need to be there for each other, sister to sister. It is in this time where the body of Christ shines, when we are His hands and feet extended to each other; binding up the broken-hearted and mending wounds (Isaiah 61); praying for one another (James 5:16); and holding each other’s arms up when we’re too tired (Exodus 17). 

I remember how in the old church days people used to call each other “Sister-So-and-So”. When I went to Bible College we had to call our teachers by the title “Brother”. We used to joke about it as it seemed so old-fashioned, but maybe there was some great purpose in it??? Maybe calling each other with these titles helped the church to identify each other as family, there to help. Life on this earth is full of desperate, desert times but God never intended for us to go through them alone. 

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT).

We need each other in this time, and always. No one can be a “Lone Ranger”…remember, even he had Tonto!  God designed us to grow in community. Today, make a concerted effort to reach out to a Sister in need or one who needs a Sister to rejoice with her. Let’s stand together and conquer those things that would try to assail us! As we live out Romans 12:15 we will be strengthened and renewed ourselves, ready to face the struggles of our own lives with GRACE, PEACE and VICTORY! 

Written By: Sister Sherry Stahl