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| Taste and see that the Lord is good...(Ps. 34:8) |
I certainly am and that's why I've been particularly concerned about the two questions I asked you to think about from last week's blog:
1. Women couldn't come together and elect a woman president. How can we unite in church to achieve God's goals?
2. What can we do about "cyber" bullying on Facebook, Twitter and other mediums?
This whole idea of sisterhood and our lack of unity was mentioned several times in our Sistah Talk fellowship! Why IS it we can't bond with one another in a genuine way? I mean really value and commit to nurturing the best in each other without the pettiness and competitiveness that so often comes to play? And then too, when our sisterhood relations fail, why must we play it all out so dramatically on social media?
If you see my point, the two questions really relate to one another don't they?
First, let me give a shout out to the sisters who can boast of treasured, long lasting, sisterhood relations that have stood the test of time--they REALLY do exist! I've a got a few myself and they are oh so precious to me!
But for those who've told me that you've been burnt, back stabbed, two-timed, mean-mouthed, and abused in Sister Friendships, especially on Social media let's see if we can get to the root of some of it!
1. Sisters can't give you what they don't have! If your Sister Friend doesn't feel good about herself, does not value or cherish herself, she's not going to be able to value you or your relationship! Use wisdom in choosing those you would call close friends. Take time to really know them, their character and the place you want them to have in your life, Maybe they should be only casual or social acquaintances.
2. Don't expect more from a Sister relationship than what a healthy relationship can offer. Your Sister Friend is not your man! Respect boundaries and her right to have other relations, other interests! What you interpret as lack of support and the elusive, she's changed phenomena (what the heck does that mean any way?), could be nothing more than the need for some personal space for self reflection or spiritual renewal...we all need it, even married folks!
3. Practice giving more than you receive. Speak first, give genuine compliments, keep conversations positive and if possible face-to-face NOT TWITTER OR FACEBOOK! Always leave with a word of encouragement! This is especially important when it appears to be non-reciprocal. You'll leave the interaction feeling better and with the knowledge that you did what was right. The rest is on them!
4. Instead of judging actions, ask God to help you become more discerning of the cause(s) that could be behind the actions! Our dear sisters may be suffering from one of these FATAL DISTRACTIONS: PRIDE, ANGER, FEAR, JEALOUSY, and INSECURITY!
(A Bible Study Series shared recently at Grace Place- Tuesdays, 6am, 12pm, 12am, check it out for future studies: Dial 712-432-1212, Mtg ID: 354-432-328#)
Until we as Christian Sisters really address these deep issues in ourselves and commit to becoming emotionally healthy, our Sister Friend Relations and Ministry Missions will continue to suffer. If you're wondering whether these tips are appropriate for church relationships, they absolutely are!
People don't change their attitudes, emotions, or behaviors just because they are at church! LET'S PRAY THAT 2017 will bring as Radical of a Change Among Christians, as the 2016 Presidential Election is making in America today! GOD IS ABLE to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask, think or imagine according to the power that is at work within us... (Ephes. 3:20-21)
UNTIL NEXT TIME....
If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR scroll to the bottom of my blog page at http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com click on the no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.
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