Last year, I began studying how God has used women throughout Scripture for His kingdom. I was honestly unaware of just how many there were. Just wow.
As I’ve been learning, it has also struck me that in many of the cultures where these women are mentioned, women were often viewed as less valued than men. That ideology still exists in some areas today—but that’s not my focus here. What stands out to me is this: God made us as women with purpose. He chose us according to His plan. We don’t need to argue or debate our worth. We know the truth—He values us. Hallelujah.
Something else awakened in me as I studied their stories: none of them was perfect. Some schemed and deceived. Some had very dark pasts. Some tried to take matters into their own hands when it seemed like God was taking too long to answer. Does any of this sound familiar?
Through every story, I see God, a merciful, patient, forgiving, gracious Father who sees the heart and often uses the broken.
A Sister I Prayed For
My early formative years were full of adventure. I grew up in Jamaica with two younger brothers, four and six years younger than I was. I treasured them. I changed nappies, created games to keep them occupied, and climbed trees and fences right alongside them. But eventually, I began longing for a sister.
Those boys destroyed every precious toy I owned, and by ten years old, I had had enough (I still loved them, of course 🙂). I asked my mom for a sister—and one year later, she appeared.
My mother always reminded me: You asked God for her.
God knew I needed her.
As you can imagine, I was—and still am—very protective of her. Maybe I’ll coin the term “sister bear.” While I’m no mama bear, I will absolutely fight for her. I’d give my life for her.
Now she’s all grown up, and sometimes that’s hard for me to process. But I am so proud of the woman she has become. Our relationship has evolved beautifully. Though she’s the baby of the family, she is no longer a baby. Her wisdom amazes me. The way she cares for others and helps those in need inspires me deeply. She has become a go-to for spiritual clarity—she reads everything, and I love that about her.
My sister has become one of my best friends, and I am so thankful.
Through every hill and valley God has brought us through, He has used every piece of our story to build us up. She gave her heart to Jesus around sixteen. I remember the confidence in her voice when she shared her decision. I looked at her and thought, Wow… she’s serious.
Meanwhile, I was still going back and forth.
Today, I don’t worry about her the way I once did. God has covered her with wisdom and discernment. I know YAH has her🙌🏾🙌🏾.
Looking back at our trials and struggles, I see that God was right there with us the entire time. We had a praying mother who never stopped covering her children. For that, I will always be grateful.
Friends Who Became Sisters
Over the years, God has also blessed me with friendships that blossomed into sisterhood.
One friend has practically been there since birth. Our mothers were best friends at our church youth group. She was born in February, and I was born in May of the same year. Distance and time have never limited our deep love for one another.
High school brought more tight bonds—some of which remain unbreakable today. There’s the friend who calls me out for not returning her phone calls when I say I will, yet never holds it against me 🥰. The ladies from those years are firm pillars. They’ve seen the worst in me and are still comfortable in my presence. We don’t talk every day. We live in different states and even different countries. But when we gather? We pick up right where we left off—and the laughter is unstoppable.
There’s the friend who, after I repeatedly ghosted her church invitations, finally said, “Okay. I’m picking you up on Sunday.” 🥰
There’s the mentor who kept whispering Proverbs 3:5–6 in my ear.
One even made me a God-mommy 🙂 — what a blessing! I get the honor of speaking life into that young lady.
Even If
At a recent Lean Into Jesus Ministries women’s conference, I sat in awe. I looked around the room and saw God’s daughters:
Worshiping.
Surrendering.
Basking in His presence.
Women transparent in struggles and triumphs through Christ.
The theme “Even If” resonated deeply. Even if another prayer were never answered the way I’d like, it would have been enough to experience His presence and be blessed by these women.
I saw the friend who asks, “How are you?”—and truly listens. The one who doesn’t accept my quick “I’m fine,” but lovingly asks again.
That friend who gently reminded me that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
That friend who helped me grasp justification, sanctification, and glorification 🙌🏾.
Those who speak life into me—continually sowing seeds of hope and reminding me of my value in building God’s kingdom.
Iron sharpening iron.
That is sisterhood.
Grace in My Weakness
There’s a saying I love:
“I’m not where I want to be, but thanks be to God, I’m not where I used to be.”
As I mature, I’m learning to recognize God’s presence in everything. Even in the years I was not walking in obedience, He was right there. Disappointed in some of my decisions, I’m sure—but gracious nonetheless.
His love. His blessings. His favor.
When I was not worthy, He saw my worth. He planted seeds and patiently watered them.
How can I not give Him my all?
I still feel nervous at times when I’m asked to step into something new—even writing this post. But I’m frequently reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV):
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
I will gladly boast in my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
We Were Never Meant to Walk Alone
I know in my heart that we are not called to live this life alone. Throughout Scripture, God’s message has always been about relationships—our relationship with Him and our relationship with others.
If you feel unworthy or unseen, remember this promise from Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV):
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
He sees you.
He knows you.
He values you.
If you don’t have a Bible-based church family, I encourage you to take that first step and find one. I now have an army of saints I didn’t know I would need. Together, we strengthen one another.
If you reach out to me, I promise to listen—no judgment. I’ve been there. Or close to it 🙂.
Take a look around. Notice the women God has placed in your life for such a season as this. Send a word of encouragement. Remind them they are loved.
Sisters by blood.
Sisters by grace.
Love God. Love people. ❤️
God’s daughter,
Kaidean Rice
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#kaideanriceblogs