{671} ~ Sister (in Christ) hood…
Chapter 5…
“What in the world, in all this world, is grace?”…
As with the previous four chapters, our discussion opened. After coffee, goodies, laughter and conversation, we took our places on the soft blue and the carpeted floor beneath. Some sat criss cross applesauce while others used the ottoman in the middle to rest weary legs. Our opening moments should have been an indication as to where our night would end.
Grace…
To begin, requests were sought.
In response, hearts opened, pouring out deeply rooted concerns.
Each was given attention. Each was written down. Each was lifted to Him.
Amen…
As we turned to page 79, the tide in the room was poised. Poised for a moment in time that would connect us more deeply, more intimately to the sisters sitting next to us. While reading 79 and beyond, it was as though Ann opened her personal journal, her “for my eyes only” thoughts, and let us, the reader, inside. Her transparent and real writing seemed to take a hard right, allowing us access to her innermost being. The place where only she and her pen meet.
This access, this unadulterated access, prompted the same in us.
Guards were lowered…
Hearts and hands reached out, held up…
Sister (in Christ) hood was strengthened…
We are sisters, yes, but we’re His daughters, also. Daughters experiencing hurt, disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. It is through falling tears we see and hear. It is through His Divine hand, words written, typed on a page, that offer reassurance, comfort, hope and peace.
The Word has nail-scarred hands that cup our face close, wipe away the tears running down, has eyes to look deep into our brimming ache, and whisper, ‘I know. I know.’ The passion on the page is a Person, and the lens I wear of the Word is not abstract idea but the eyes of the God-Man who came and knows the pain. (page 87)
As with my own, my Father looks into my eyes, the windows into me. I can’t hide, nor can I mislead. Honestly, at this point, I don’t want to do either. I long for His grace to wash over me more powerfully than in previous times. This night, my sisters and I both, longed for a moment such as this.
Our chapter 5 discussion is incomplete. Something more important trumped the underlined words and highlighted letters. A sister needed to experience His hands cupping her face while hearing the words “I know. I know.” A sister needed to be encircled while her sisters in Christ go before the throne on her behalf. Our “sister (in Christ) hood” was kicked up a notch ~ a needed and necessary notch.
We all need a safe place to spill without fear of condemnation. When we share, we’re seeking. We seek restoration, comfort, reassurance. We seek grace. Sister (in Christ) hood should be that place.
Continuing on…
{672} Tissues which catch both tears of pain and joy…
{673} Words relating without overshadowing…
{674} Grace rather than condemnation…
{675} A community of trust, transparency and realism…
{676} Sisters willing to pause, listen, comfort and pray instead of pushing the night’s agenda forward…
{677} Crossing thresholds to live life together…
{678} Husband’s willing to watch children so wives can deepen sister (in Christ) hood…
{679} Experiencing HIS presence while discussing HIS gifts…
{680} Chapter 5…
Blessed to link with Ann Voskamp’s Multitudes on Mondays…
