As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
In 2004, I moved to Houston for a new start. I was in my mid-twenties preparing for a fun and exciting life ahead. I moved away from all my friends to such a big city. I would like to think that I am outgoing and can make friends easily. Well, little did I know, just how big Houston was. I lived in the suburbs but worked in the city. Most of the women I met at work lived in the city of Houston. I was still searching for a church home. I tried, but I did not fit in with the women at work. I spent time alone learning about my new job and the area I lived in. A year, later when I adopted my daughter, I connected with other women in the area with infants. I had finally made connections with other women. I finally felt connected to other women.
Being a part of a women’s community is very rewarding. It allows me to spend time with, support, and learn from women of diverse backgrounds. Spending time with women and being a part of a women’s community has taught me how to interact with others. But most importantly, belonging to a women’s community has helped me become more self-aware of my thoughts, intentions, and behaviors.
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
I have learned the importance of extending grace and compassion to those with whom I spend time and interact. Displaying compassion and forgiveness is vital when spending time with others as each of us has our personalities, challenges, and setbacks. As I display compassion and grace, compassion and grace are extended towards me.
Being connected to a women’s community allows me to be MYSELF. I don’t feel like I am being criticized and judged. I feel a sense of support, comfort, and belonging. As I continue to lead and serve in this women’s community, I continue to prioritize the importance of maintaining the relationships that are created and formed within the community.
Two are better than one
because they have a good return for their labor.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)
Being a part of a women’s community is such an awesome and rewarding experience. After all, we are all working towards a common goal. We accomplish more as a community. Plus, life is so much fun when working in harmony with others!
Reflection:
1) How can you prepare yourself (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) to join a women’s community? (Some women’s communities to consider are a church group, a Women’s Bible Study, or Women of Endurance)
2) How will you maintain the relationships that you form within that community?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us with the opportunity to be a part of various women’s communities. Father, help us to learn and continue to extend grace, compassion, and forgiveness to one another as we build awesome relationships within our women’s communities. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
If you are looking for a community where you feel encouraged, empowered, and supported, please consider joining the Women of Endurance community. We meet virtually on Sundays at 5 pm EST.