Leonard Sweet has a book titled simply 11. It is a challenge for men to surround themselves with other men who will encourage, teach, and correct them as they seek to become more like Jesus. I believe this is a tremendous model for men and women alike. So this week I would like to encourage you to find your group of women to do life with! I believe God intended for us to live together in community (I have written about this before) and that our communities should not be homogenous groupings (people just like us). I believe God intended our groups to be multi-generational, diverse and inclusive. Most of our groups “just happen,” but I would encourage you to be intentional about finding the people who will bring diversity, wisdom and fresh new ideas!
In my life, I want:
• The friend that makes me laugh! Whether it is some off the wall comment, random GIF, or pun, I need and want more opportunities to laugh.
• The friend that challenges me to learn and not just about the things I am interested in. A friend who introduces new topics and ideas and allows me the space to consider study and pray in an effort to grow!
• The friend who allows me to teach, who has a teachable spirit and acknowledges that there is wisdom in the experience of life, of hurt, of pain – wisdom in the journey that is behind me.
• The friend who is an encourager. The friend who speaks life over challenging circumstances. The friend who reminds me of God’s sovereignty and control and helps me to consider what God might want me to learn about myself and Him in this situation.
• The friend who is constant, loyal and ready for any adventure. This friend has your back, will get you out of jail or go to jail with you, figuratively speaking of course (unless you are Paul)! This is the friend who will go into battle with you or battle for you when you are too tired or discouraged to battle on your own. I am reminded of when Moses was too exhausted to hold his arms up and Aaron and Hur held them up for him – that kind of friend!
• The friend who challenges you when you are wrong, who will confront you about the sin in your life. The person who speaks the truth in love, and has permission to do so – because even in the confrontation, you feel their love!
• The friend who prays! The friend that you can take your concerns to and you know she is not going anywhere except to the Father with your information. The friend who will stop whatever she is doing and hit her knees for you. The friend who will stay up all night to intercede on your behalf.
• The friend who is wise and is willing to share that wisdom. The friend who is willing to share to tell the stories of where their faith was tested and how it grew. The friend who is able to look at any situation, no matter how complex, and help you figure out how to break it down into manageable steps. A friend who is a problem solver.
• The friend(s) who can stand the gap for those you have lost. I lost both of my parents before I was 30. Over the years God has been so kind as to put some amazing people in my life to remind me of what it was like to be loved by parents. In Boston, I had a “Jewish” mother; when I moved to Guntersville – a precious couple “adopted” me, now I have a precious 83-year-old lady that helps me remember what it was like to be with my mother.
I would encourage you to be intentional about finding these kinds of friendships where you can become your best and help others to become their best.
My friend group is very diverse. I have friends that are millionaires and I have friends that are homeless. I have friends that are every shade of skin color. I have friends who hold many advanced degrees and friends who didn’t finish elementary school. I have friends who are at the beginning of their life and I have friends that are at the end of theirs. I have friends who worship the same God I worship and love as well as those who don’t know Him yet.
All of these women in my life are precious gifts from God, sent to make life richer and better – to multiply the joy and divide the sorrow. They are part of my “multi-stranded cord that cannot be broken!” Together, we are better and stronger. Together we are on this journey called life. Thanks for being part of my journey!
Shirley Chupp
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#shirleychuppblogs
