Women. We sit around a circle. Each one carrying a story all her own. We laugh nervously as greetings are passed back and forth, one to another. We fill the awkward silence with timid questions and quiet smiles. Everyone trying to find her place. This group of women, from the youngest of girls to the most seasoned of grand-mothers. We are all here, all trying to connect in some form or fashion. Our hearts yearn for unity, to find relationship, to be knitted together on common ground. A prayer is uttered and the floor is opened. The question has been poised. Who will answer first? Who will open her heart wide and let all of us inside? Who will bear her soul and allow us to look deep within?
And then she raises her hand and begins her praise. She is thankful. She, who only weeks before buried her most treasured friend. Her dear sweet grandmother had gone to be with Jesus… She is thankful. Her eyes speak of peace no earthly explanation can expound. She sings her Creator’s praise back to Him with genuine gratitude and my heart is stirred within me.
I listen, spellbound, as each woman opens her heart and allows us to catch a glimpse of the beauty and workings of our great God and King within her. One by one, she gives glory and testimony to the proof that we indeed serve a RISEN LORD.
Another explains the humility God has brought upon her, and she is grateful. In her embarrassment, she is able to see the graciousness of God and again, is so very thankful. We laugh, deep belly laughs with her, and I marvel. This quiet, reserved woman is able to offer her story up with joyful happiness over a most humiliating event.
We move through each story, each testimony, and each is the same, yet so different and unique. God is weaving His grace through each of our lives and is creating this beautiful masterpiece. I am truly speechless in response. Tears flow freely down tender faces. Tears that speak of years of heartache and sadness. Tears that testify of hardship and disappointment. But through those tears, praise is lifted up and glory is placed at the feet of Christ. How? Why? She utters her gratefulness over years of hurt, b/c it was through that hurt that she truly found her most precious Savior. She recognized Him sweeter and more faithful as she faced the storms of life than she ever did sailing through on a perfect day.
Another stands firm in the face of fear and claims the victory that her God has promised! She refuses to give in! She will not worry! She will stand with resolve before an enemy defeated!
I listen. I watch. These women God has created, chosen to be His own! We can come together, in the middle of our hectic, busy schedules, and we can offer up sweet smelling sacrifices to our Lord. We can praise Him together b/c we have seen Him. We have felt His presence. We have experienced His conviction. We have humbled ourselves under His authority. We have been embraced by the same Father. We are more than just women sitting around a table on a Tuesday morning. We are sisters. We are family, brought together under the most glorious name of Jesus! My soul sings! My heart skips a beat! This is living! This is testifying. This is good. I am thankful.
