Today the Lord reminded me of the beauty of the bond that is shared between girls and women in Christ. There is something supernatural and unexplainable about this bond. It can admittedly be slightly terrifying at times as you let your guard down and in complete humility and vulnerability share the struggles, pain, and desires in the innermost part of your heart. Yet there is something freeing as you do so. You realize that perhaps you are not alone, perhaps someone else in this world has experienced or is enduring your same heartache or celebrating over the same joyous things. Although each of us have pasts and stories we all share the same theme of redemption and grace. Even though our struggles come in various forms, we each share in the same victory. A victory that is not our own nor something we could ever deserve, but a victory that has been given to us in the form of a savior on a cross. It is marked by underserved grace and love that is unfailing and infinite.
I had the privilege of sitting in a small corner table and sharing a meal with a beautiful friend named Jordan. This sister has taught me what it means to find freedom in the Lord and fight the lies of the enemy. Today we rejoiced as she shared how the Lord answered prayers and shed tears as we laid our burdens on the table. As we sat there together I could not help but wonder how many stories this table has heard. I imagine many burdens have been spilled on it and encouragement has passed across. As she prayed over me and thanked the Lord for his grace, I thought about the hearts of the people who have sat at that very table. They each had their own pains, joys, scars, and stories. Then I thought about the stories yet to be shared- those of true love, old memories, plans for the future, or the sweet songs of redemption. I am blessed beyond belief to have these kinds of friendships that extend far beyond superficial things. Jordan uses the phrase "I love you deep" in text messages or emails and to me this sums up the body of Christ. It is a love that is often undeserved, selfless, and comes only from the Lord.
After lunch, I decided to skip my last class of the day and settle myself in a table closest to a coffee source and relax for a bit. My sweet roommate happened to walk by and joined me in my effort to avoid schoolwork. We sat and talked about life, the importance of finding joy and rest in the Lord, and she gave me wisdom on an idea the Lord has laid on my heart. I am forever thankful for her encouragement, support, and constant reminder of the Lord's goodness. I have never met anyone with such a beautiful servant's heart. As I found myself yet again, sharing life over a wooden table and cup of coffee, I realized that this is what I am in college. My major and getting a degree is extremely important, but more than that, I have the ability to truly share life with people and grow during this season.
This evening I found myself gathered around yet another table with five other women at my small group leaders' apartment. These might be my favorite nights as we sit with cookies and coffee in hand and walk through the gospel of John. This table has also heard many stories over the past few months. Across its surface we have laid out our innermost fears, talked about the word of God, and prayed sincerely for these words to change our hearts and lives.
I am beyond thankful for the influence these women have in my life as they point me to the cross and teach me what it means to walk in freedom. I am increasingly glad the Lord made us relational people and I cannot help but marvel at how wonderfully He designed each of us to fit in the body of Christ and serve Him.
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