Sisters, sisters there were never such devoted sisters … “Sisters,” by Irving Berlin
Right now, my sister and I are out of step.
Divided by three short years, seven large states and a few opposing philosophies, we’ve fallen into a mutual habit of neglect.
“Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.” ~ Prov. 27:10
It’s true, right? The girls I see at church, the ladies who come to my house once a month for book club, even the ones I interact with online all feel closer most of the time than the one I spent 14 years sleeping next to.
I don’t really think that makes God smile. Which makes me think I should probably give her a call.
But will I?
The truth is, I’m relationally lazy. A born introvert with an insecure streak, I put on a brave face in a crowd but honestly prefer to spend much of my time alone. Don’t get me wrong—I love people; love to be with them, love to talk and have tea and discuss issues and worship and learn together. But I need my space. I need to regain the energy expended in the crowd; regroup my nerves, rewind the conversations.
I’ve learned over the years that that’s okay. God wired us all differently. It becomes a problem when I avoid people and start leaning into my hermit-ness.
God knows the truth: He knows that I need sisters.
“It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18.
Truth is, it’s not so great for the woman, either. And we know it, don’t we? We band together on playgrounds and in bathroom lines. We make phone calls and drag one another to the mall for moral support while we pick out the dress, and giggle in corners together at the dance. I’m forty-two years old and have yet to attend a movie alone.
Things are just better with a sister.
So here’s the thing: you need one. You actually need more than one. I believe God calls us all to real-life relationships with people we can touch. And if you don’t have any sisters, it’s time to do something about it.
Neighbors, book club pals, fellow soccer moms, Bible study companions … all have the potential to become more than acquaintances: they can become true sisters in Christ. You need someone to bring you chicken soup when you’re down for the count, someone to bare your soul to over a caramel mocha, someone to drive your daughter to ballet when your car breaks down. And you need some women you can be “someone” for, too. Maybe even more than you need someone to be “someone” for you.
May I challenge you, sweet friend? Pray for the Lord to open your eyes. Then, take a look around. Who could you become a sister to?
Now, please excuse me. I have a phone call to make.