The Gift of Sisterhood

I had a visit from one of my dearest sisters today. You know why this visit was special, and always is when we get together? It's because it is a safe place. My heart is safe with her, as hers is with me. We can be truthful with each other because we genuinely love one another. We pray, encourage one another, and come together to pray for others. There is no pride, competition, or facade; nothing but pure love!

I look forward to these moments with her because they're a refreshing and sisterly time we so need. And to be quite honest, I believe it's time that every woman needs with true friends and sisters. And, for me, she is among a few, a very few, that I have and value! We all have different sister-friends we can count on, who will stop, drop, and pray the house down for us, those we can hang out with, laugh with, shop with, and binge-watch movies with. This one right here is a spiritual warrior and will go to war in the spirit for me, and likewise, I will for her! She is one who calls and checks in on my hubby and me for no reason at all, takes time to listen and hear my heart on matters, and loves me enough to challenge me, which is good. The Bible says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV). Never get to the place where you're unteachable or a know-it-all. Always be open to learning and growing in wisdom and knowledge.

Today, during our visit, I had a moment as she spoke where I just reflected on our 11-plus-year friendship, how we met, how constant and consistent she has been, how she has been at every event I've ever hosted, prayed for, and covered them and me. How she fasted for me when I was in a dark place in my life. And, how she was among the very few I called when I considered remarrying. How, when she met him, she prayed for and with us. Today, I was reminded of what true sisterhood truly is.

When we are richly blessed with the sister-friends Father God gives us, we must value those relationships and hold them in high esteem. We must honor, respect, and appreciate the effort that goes into such relationships because they are rare, especially these days. In a time when it seems everyone around you is an opportunist, a shark in the water, looking to see what and how they can benefit and prosper from their relationship with you, it can be hard to trust. While your heart must never be closed, your spiritual discernment has to be sharp! It is imperative to wholeheartedly rely on the Holy Spirit to lead you in forming relationships, alliances, and partnerships because only Father God knows the hearts of people. He knows their motives and intent. There are many good, Godly people who would not hurt anyone, so I do not want to sound like we should be skeptical of everyone; we should, however, be led by the Spirit of God.

I wanted to share my visit today and encourage you to take inventory of your friends and relationships. Evaluate who Father God is allowing in your space and the place He is taking you. I know this is a cliché, but it is so true: we must recognize and understand that some people are not meant to go with us into certain seasons of our lives, just as we are not allowed to go into some seasons with others.

It is good, from time to time, to evaluate sisters, friends, and relationships and ensure you are aligned. This evaluation does not have to lead to broken relationships and damaged friendships. If you follow the Holy Spirit's leading, peace will lead. True friends and sisters are a blessing, and we should value and treat them as the gifts they are.

Be blessed!
Prophetess Ceola J.