The bond of sisterhood
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Depending on experience, “Mothers” can have many connotations, some good and some bad. Being a mom is about much more than giving birth. Biological or not, moms and mother figures should be the ones who love you unconditionally. They prioritize your well-being and happiness, encourage you, laugh with you, and so much more. Even if you were blessed with an amazing birth mom, I bet we can all name other women who stepped into that role when necessary. I certainly can. My girlfriends’ moms were always there to support me and keep me in line; my aunts treated me as their own, and even the elderly ladies I worked with in my first job treated me as their own.
Motherhood is an amazing experience, but we should also celebrate sisterhood. I wasn’t blessed with biological sisters, but starting at a very young age, I had friends who were sisters to me. I can’t imagine being any closer to a birth sister. As an adult, my friends became sisters in Christ. We shared differently from my childhood friends. Spouses and children were added to the mix, which meant a bigger responsibility to share the love of Christ and support each other in sisterhood.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of sisterhood, highlighting both familial bonds and spiritual kinship. It encourages love, support, and mutual care among women, both within families and in the Christian community. The bonds are often seen as a source of strength and joy, as they share life’s experiences and challenges. Sisterhood encompasses the bonds between women, whether biological sisters, close female friends, or women united by shared experiences or goals.
True sisterhood helps us to share both the light and dark parts of our journey. It allows us to see the best of who we are in the eyes of another woman. The validation and affirmation that comes from being truly seen by another person are what make sisterhood so powerful and meaningful.
When I think of loyalty and friendship in the Bible, I think of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is evident in her decision to accompany her back to Bethlehem, even though it meant leaving her people and culture behind. This demonstrates the importance of strong bonds and unwavering support, even in the face of adversity.
Ruth 1:16 - But Ruth replied, “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go,
I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.
The story of Ruth and Naomi underscores the idea that God can work through seemingly hopeless situations to bring about blessing and redemption. It highlights the power of friendship and the importance of providing support and encouragement to others, especially during times of need. Ruth's willingness to work and provide for Naomi showcases her dedication to their bond.
True friendship brings us and our friends closer to God. They help each other overcome challenges and celebrate each other’s good fortune. No matter where we are in life or where we stand with our faith, we have the opportunity to draw closer to God. Ruth and Naomi set a wonderful example to all women by having a shared love of God at the heart of their friendship.
I pray everyone has experienced the special gift from God of giving and receiving true friendship.
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor
