Written By: Mary Martinez
There was a knock at my front door. A moment of slight confusion and minor panic, I hadn’t been expecting anyone. I quickly glanced in the mirror and made myself semi-presentable and slowly opened the door. Standing there was a woman who I had just met a few weeks prior, holding two cups of coffee. She cheerfully said, “Hey, hope it’s okay. I brought you a coffee and wanted to just stop by to see how you were doing.”
My house was a complete mess. I hadn’t showered in a day….or two. I cringed at the thought of having anyone see my house (or me honestly) in such a state. But I let her in because (let’s be real) who would turn away a free cup of coffee? Maybe to you, this doesn’t seem like a big deal. Your friends show up unannounced to check up on you all the time. For me, it wasn’t something I had ever experienced.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:8-9)
This gesture had a major impact on my life. You see, during this time, my husband was deployed, and I had just delivered our third son alone. I was lonely, exhausted, and barely surviving. Thankfully, I had many friends and family supporting and helping me during that time, but this sweet lady took friendship to a whole new level. In fact, she taught me how to be a friend, and to this day, I aspire to be as good a friend as she was to me. From the first moment we met, I felt a deep connection to her, drawn to her kindness, love for the Lord and people. She couldn’t have cared less about how I looked or the state of my house. She made a conscious effort to give me the emotional and spiritual support I so desperately needed. She truly cared for me and knew I needed a friend.
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.” (Proverbs 27:9)
Throughout different seasons in my life, God has sent me different friends, women that have come alongside me and helped me through challenging times. Despite living close to one another for just a short time, in each instance, we created a lasting bond that I pray will last a lifetime. Maybe you have a friend or two like this. A friend that you have a deep spiritual bond with, someone that God sent to you in a pivotal moment in your life. One that influenced you and has made you a better person, a better friend. Even if life events have separated you when you talk or see each other again, it’s like time hasn’t passed, and you’re able to pick right back up where you left off. Maybe you have a friend that feels more like a sister.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:12)
Are you going through a difficult season right now? Are you feeling lonely? Are you needing a friend, or better yet, a true sister in Christ? Start by praying. Ask God for a sister in Christ that will come alongside you in this season. It’s important to remember you have to be a friend to have a friend. Think of the type of friend you would desire and be that friend to someone. Sign up for a small group or bible study at church, attend a moms’ group. Those are great places to start looking for friendships.
“Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;” (Romans 12:10)
If you’ve lost contact with a sister in Christ, it’s never too late to reconnect. Give them a call or send a text today. Let them know how much their friendship meant to you during that season in your life. Friendships take work. Be intentional in keeping in contact with those sisters in Christ. Reach out! You never know, your call or text may be just what that friend needs today. Better yet, if you can, show up at her front door with two cups of coffee!
Written By: Mary Martinez
