Friendship, love and discipleship

Eight months ago, I didn't think I was ready to lead others along their journey toward Christ, yet God presented me with the opportunity to disciple two young woman. I was excited yet nervous. The two girls knew each other and went to the same school but were not close friends. I saw this as an opportunity for the 3 of us to grow closer to Christ together and in turn develop a close friendship. 

During our first few months of meeting, I opened and closed us in prayer at our local meeting spot of Panera Bread. I would lead us in a discussion on the Bible study, Multiply. But as the months passed, I saw each of them growing in their love of Christ and in turn The Lord was empowering and equipping each of them. Soon they would take turns closing us in prayer and engage in great discussions on our lessons. They had become great friends, meeting up outside of our scheduled Bible studies too. One night we swapped places and the girls taught me what they learned at the Secret Church event at MCC! 

Titus 3:2-5 (ESV)

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

God has placed several mature Christian women in my life who have guided me and continue to provide wisdom, guidance and love. I now see that God has given me a new life that I may share it with others.

Now, 8 months later I cannot imagine my life on this earth without Narissa and Charissa. I do not know if they will ever realize how much their friendship, love, and time spent together has impacted my life. Narissa is going to be a senior. Charissa is going off to college. Though her college is here in town, I know from experience she will be very busy. While I may meet with the girls one on one as our schedules conflict, I know God has blessed us with a friendship that will last for eternity. We are sisters in Christ. We will forever be united when we meet our Father in Heaven. 

Photo: Birthday dinner. The presents were copies of Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love, a Christian novel based on the book of Hosea. This summer we are studying Hosea then reading Francine's book!