Dear Sisters....

Have you ever been surrounded by people but felt completely alone? I used to wonder how I could walk into a church, a place I was supposed to 'belong', and feel the ache of loneliness cast a shadow over my heart.

I think we can all feel lonely at different times for different reasons, but it is something that we are not supposed to live with all the time.

I have loved Jesus for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until I gave Him the deepest part of my heart that I began to notice that the feeling of loneliness wasn't visiting me as often. As I meditated on His words in the Bible, talked with Him and shared my everyday life with Him, He began to imprint on my heart the truth of who I am in this world and where I belong.

I will never be alone because His Spirit is my closest companion. And no matter where I go, I am His and I belong.

In Isaiah 43:1, the Lord speaks His heart to us when He says..... "Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine."

When we are able to see....and then step...beyond ourselves and encourage and care for others around us, we realize even more so, that we are not alone. Most women struggle through a lot of the same things...like loneliness, fear, a lost sense of belonging, etc.

I believe God calls us as sisters of all ages to care for one another and encourage one another and build each other up in our faith. Philippians 2:1-2 says..."So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." Then in verse 4, it says..."Let each of you look not only to his (or her) own interest,but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..."

It fills my heart with joy to already see this happening among us....I see women coming alongside their sisters praying for them, caring for their hearts and for their physical needs as well. I see the older women coming alongside the younger women and encouraging them. I see younger women loving the older women and respecting them. It is a beautiful thing and I know it blesses the Heart of Jesus when He sees His children loving each other.

So...dear sisters...

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Blessed be the name of the Lord.