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| Bear one another's burdens... Galatians 6:2 |
It's been almost four years since the COVID Pandemic and we're still feeling its effects! One close to home for me, is how social distancing, vaccine controversies, and technology altered treasured relationships - especially with my Spiritual sisters!
With this in mind, I'm reposting a series written several years ago to remind us to value old connections and give insights for keeping new connections fresh and vibrant no matter what comes next!
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Me and you, us never part, (Makidada); Me and you, us have one heart,
(Makidada); Ain't no ocean, ain't no sea (Makidada); Keep my sister
away from me (Makidada)...
(From the movie, The Color Purple, 1985, Warner Bros. Films)
I can't help it. Every time I come across a rerun of this Stephen Spielberg film, I have to watch at least this part: Celie and Nettie's heart wrenching love expressed so poignantly in their clapping song. (Makidada is Swahili for "Little Sister!") Maybe it's because it conjures up afresh, the love I have for my own sisters, all four are now with the Lord.
All those things they used do that drove me up the wall, doesn't really matter. The personality flaws, annoying habits, and even the occasional underhanded schemes to get what they wanted is of no concern. This fact remains...ride or die...we were sisters and not even eternity will change that! Nothing will keep us apart! Our relationship was not by personal choice but came down biologically through our parents...simply put, we're blood!
This is not unlike our Spiritual Sisters. They do not come by choice, but through our Savior, Jesus Christ. We're also Blood! United and sealed with His Blood throughout eternity (Ephesians 4:5-6). Why then do we exhibit such intolerance, impatience, and down right hostility when offended by a Sister in Christ? I understand that we are all human, with real feelings and emotions. It hurts when wounded by another Saint! But I also realize that none of us are ALWAYS operating in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Which means we're open to attack by another Christian at any time. And by no means are we exempt from doing some sniping of our own. So get used to it!
Still the Bible refuses to give us a pass! What would happen if we took that eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth adage literally (Matt. 5:38)...we both would end up blind with no teeth! God insists that for the sake of Spiritual Sisterhood, we learn to rejoice when persecuted (Matthew 5:11-12) and forgive those who wronged us (Ephesians 4:32). I know...I know, it sounds straight up crazy, counter intuitive, inane, even impossible....But doesn't it sounds just like Jesus?
Relationships are incredibly complex and none are so complex as those between women! It takes work, it takes prayer. But let me tell you if you can find a way to work it out, it is well worth the effort! I'd like to start a little Sister Good will with a list on this blog. Let's create some positive love language for sisters. I've put a few thoughts down but I want to hear yours. Please read, add your own comments then post on your favorite social media site. Not on FB, IG, or Twitter?
Send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR scroll to the bottom of my blog page at http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com click on the pencil and the no comments will change to a writing space. I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! HERE WE GO!
"ONLY A REAL SISTAH ....."
1. Will tell you about a good store sale even though you've just had a big argument!
2. Listens quietly to your drama but won't let you hang up until she's prayed for you!
3. Gives you space to develop a relationship with others without getting offended!
4. Loves you enough to tell you when you're wrong and tries to get you back on track!
5.
6.
7.
"ONLY A REAL SISTAH ....."
1. Will tell you about a good store sale even though you've just had a big argument!
2. Listens quietly to your drama but won't let you hang up until she's prayed for you!
3. Gives you space to develop a relationship with others without getting offended!
4. Loves you enough to tell you when you're wrong and tries to get you back on track!
5.
6.
7.
