You.

You.

I am so drawn to you...each of you.

I long ago (perhaps at your age) recognized my need for other women.

I think women to be one of God’s masterpieces of creation. I think He thinks the same.

Men have their enduring place, but as a woman, women are so essential to my well-being.

He creates us as equals with men, but then imbues within our very natures these glorious attributes that the world desperately needs.

Women can be so intuitive. We can read a face, a heart, a spirit from across the room. And we are emotionally bold. We are brave. We will enter the woundedness, the pain of another and walk it with them.

Women nurture. Nurture means the process of caring for and encouraging the growth and development of someone else. That is exactly who Sisters are.

We all have guy friends. Aren’t they lovely? One of my favorites said, “There is something epic and heart-pounding about true Christian fellowship” (Pastor Heath Hardesty). 

I love my husband, my sons, my male friends.

But they are not you. I need your epic and heart-pounding sistership. 

You know my heartbeat, you understand the seasons of a woman’s life, you can even empathize with how my physical body works.

You also believe in my God-given strength.

This Easter something that really moved me was Christ’s mom. When Jesus was 8 days old his parents took him to the temple to be blessed. Mary was told, “a sword will pierce your own soul” because of this baby boy you will nurture through babyhood, teens, and his young adult life. There she was at the cross. She didn’t shy away. She opened up her soul to be pierced by the horror of the crucifixion. The Bible says Jesus saw her from His cross. With some of His last strength, He acknowledged her. God wove into His own story the strength, stability, and beauty of a woman. He elevates women even in a culture that puts them down.

You, my sisters, bring me Jesus in a unique way. I need you. This poem is for you.

You bring the gift of friendship

To the table of my heart

 and leave it there,

A glistening art that whispers

Love and safety like a prayer;

And all life looks more golden

With you near.

I love you. 

- Mrs. Fleming