When Women Support Women
Christian writer C.S. Lewis notes that friendship is “one of those things which give value to survival”, and it’s no doubt that strong friendships can be some of the most powerful bonds in a person’s life. For many ladies, having a close female friend to laugh, cry, confide in and share their experiences with is one of life’s most enriching experiences.
The Scriptures show us just how strong the bonds of friendship can be, as with Jonathan and David. But we find many examples of female kinship and solidarity in the Bible too. Think of Naomi and Ruth, Elizabeth and Mary, and the cohort of female followers who accompanied Jesus in His earthly ministry, remaining by His side at the cross.
An inspiring story about ministering to other ladies
When women support each other, they can make a world of difference to encourage, strengthen, and inspire one another. Many examples exist in real life, such as in women’s ministries that focus on personal healing and finding one’s identity in God. One of Our Daily Bread Malaysia’s contributors, Louise Lee, shares with us an inspiring story of how she is using her difficult background to now minister to hurting ladies. She writes:
“I come from a traditional Chinese family where boys are considered more important and valuable than girls. I was hit and abused by my elder brother and my mum’s relatives, and went through daily life being scolded and blamed for not perfecting household chores. As a child, I never once experienced a loving hug, a kiss, or comforting and positive words.
“Years later, I got married and accepted Jesus into my life, and God led me to totally forgive my family members who harmed me. He transformed me from the inside out to love everyone, and with this gift of new life in Him, I offered myself to help other ladies who were coming to me to pour out their pain and grief.”
“The Holy Spirit would lead me to receive and minister over each life who comes to me, many of whom I’m meeting for the first time. Before they arrive, I would spend some time in God’s word, fast and pray for a few days. I would set up a comfortable space where she is able to release her hurt and tears, and have enough time to be silent, to wait, and to listen to the Lord through prayer and Bible verses.”
>>READ: 5 Ways to Support Other Women (YMI)
>>READ: Faithful Women of the Lord in ODB Malaysia’s KK office
>>BUY: ‘Who Calls Me Beautiful?’ by Regina Franklin (Paperback, RM45)
Breakthrough in the Lord with time and patience
“In the beginning, these ladies were only from my church. But God’s ways are always higher. Throughout the years, He led me to other churches, other towns, other nations, and even to using the media to minister over others. Since then, I’ve seen many breakthroughs for these ladies. God has blessed them to have their own beautiful families, or accepted their roles as church leaders. Some are out in the marketplace making disciples, while others are holding high positions in their career.
“Some took weeks, months and even years for inner healing. But even though each went through pain and suffering, nothing could stop them from seeing how God has already created them ‘good’ in His eyes. Because God has patiently led me and transformed me, through His wisdom and His love, I could do the same to minister to whomever He has called me to do.”
We hope that Louise’s testimony will inspire you to reach out to a fellow sister; to lift each other up and to help one another rise up to become the women God has called us to be. Let’s be intentional in being there for our sisters-in-Christ and our female friends, be it listening to them, sharing their joy or carrying their burdens.
Is there someone you’d like to encourage, celebrate, or simply hang out with today? Why not drop them a text with an encouragement or even arrange for a meetup.
About the Author
Louise Lee is a homemaker. She is married and has two sons. A small group leader and a disciple course facilitator of a Methodist church in Kuching, Sarawak, she is also active in comforting and helping those in need of counseling.
Edited by Lim Wan Phing, editor of ODBM.
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