The Bye-Bye Sisters

I was blessed to have grown up with sisters–an older sister and a younger sister! And let me tell you, it was FUN. And as adults it’s still fun! Annnd I now also have the added blessing of sisters-in-law. I know some of you don’t have sisters and always wanted one, so let me tell you a story in hopes of encouraging you in that longing.

Our family has been part of a group of families we call our life group–a Bible study group that we “do life” with. God put our group together almost twelve years ago, and even as our number has fluctuated with some families moving on and new families joining, our bond has remained strong. Our children have literally grown up together, several now young adults!

One evening during the early years of our group meetings, our family was loading into our car at the end of our time together. My oldest daughter (about 11 or 12 years old at the time) skipped to the car after hugging one last friend, hopped in, and exclaimed, “I had to give her one last hug. She’s one of my bye-bye sisters!”

“What’s a bye-bye sister?” I inquired.

“It’s when you feel like real sisters, but you don’t live together in the same house, so you have to say ‘bye-bye’ when it’s time for everyone to go home.”

Well, how sweet is that! That just really touched my heart, and then I realized that all of her bye-bye sisters’ mamas were my “bye-bye sisters”!

And now, more than ten years later, I can say this sisterhood has stood the test of time. We’ve walked through life together and have prayed each other through parenting, homeschooling, illnesses, cancer, moves, job changes, family struggles, financial strains, foster care, adoptions, loss of parents, and much, much more. Our sisterhood is one of love. These ladies do not judge, hold grudges, or become suspicious. We don’t doubt one another’s commitment to each other, and we extend plenty of forgiveness and grace for any shortcomings or quirks. I can’t put in words what these ladies mean to me!

The sisterhood I share with these ladies is a true Biblical sisterhood. How do I know? In my devotional journal I jotted down all the verses that came to mind which are too many for one blog post, so here are just a few:

Sisters are bonded in Christ. “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and My mother.” Mark 3:35

A sister forgives in love. “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” Proverbs 17:9

A sister is a wise companion and good influence. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

A sister is patient with us and our shortcomings. “…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

Sisterhood crosses age barriers and walks alongside one another in the daily life, encouraging, exampling, and teaching. (Titus 2) I’m sure you’ll notice in the photo above that our group spans the ages. We have everyone from a grandmother helping to raise her grandchildren all the way to a young mama with babes in her arms. I think this truly enriches our group and the encouragement we can give and receive from the life seasons we are each currently in. This is the Titus 2 way!

A sister feels for you and with you. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

This is my favorite one! It’s so simple: A sister weeps for you when you’re sad and celebrates with you when good things happen for you!

Here are sweet examples of each scenario in scripture:

In Luke 1 Mary, pregnant with the Messiah, visits Elizabeth who is also with child. But when Elizabeth sees Mary, rather than bragging about her own pregnancy or complaining that Mary didn’t have to wait as long in life as she did to bear a child, she is thrilled for Mary and calls her “blessed”! This is a sweet example of a sister rejoicing with a sister.

But what about in times of distress? One of the most beautiful pictures of this being lived out in scripture is when Mary was comforted by the presence of other women as her son was dying on the cross. “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdelene.” John 19:25 These women were right there with Mary so she wouldn’t have to bear the devastation alone. I can just picture the women huddled together holding Mary up and it just makes me tear up to think about it. I want to be this kind of support for my sisters!

So, who are your “bye-bye sisters”? If you don’t have any at this time, don’t fret, just pray about it. Years ago, I went through a very dry season of friendship. As lonely as it was, I knew God was working while I was praying and now I not only enjoy the sisterhood of my life group, but I’m also blessed to have church sisters, tea sisters, homeschool sisters, and prayer sisters!

I pray you find your “bye-bye sister” and enjoy the richness of the friendship. Have a lovely weekend, friends!