Love and Warrior Siblings




Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

I thank God for warrior siblings.

Nine years ago, when my mother was working through the aftermath of her divorce from my dad, she was blessed to find a fellowship group of other divorcees to meet with for mutual support. Some of the men and women in the group had experienced their own divorces many years prior to my mother’s, but they still congregated, not only to continue their own healing, but also to encourage those who were just beginning their journey.

Since I was already an adult when the divorce happened, I didn’t experience the type of turmoil that children of broken homes often do, but I was deeply shaken by the situation. Like my mother, though, I too found friends who could relate to my heartache and who drew from memories of their own pain to walk and pray with me through mine.

When I reflect on all of those friendships now, I can’t help but marvel at the special kind of resilience these men and women displayed. With God’s help, they had endured some difficult seasons, seasons that turned their worlds upside down and altered the courses of their lives. God had seen them through the insomnia, worry, guilt, and seemingly endless crying that so often accompanies a family breakdown, and had made them stronger in the end.

But it was not their endurance that made me think of these friends as warrior siblings. Instead, it was their willingness to revisit their pain to help someone else. They rolled up their pants legs and waded back into the grief-filled mire they had already passed through, just to make the crossing a little easier and a little less lonely for others.

Life makes warriors of us when it thrusts us into battles, plunges us into heartbreak, and shoves us to the very brink of personal destruction, but we still manage to endure. We become tough and assume emotional armor to counter the next blows that may come our way. But God makes warrior siblings even stronger. They face all the same things, but maintain the vulnerability to open their hearts and share their darkest memories in solidarity with those who are hurting.

I pray God makes warrior siblings out of all of us who seek to serve Him. For heartache that is behind us, I pray we can move forward while still retaining the memories we need to stay empathetic. For the heartache we face right now, I pray we can trust God to pull us through, while being mindful of the fact that these are the seasons He will one day use to help us help others. If we have ever uttered the prayer, “use me, Lord,” we cannot rightfully spurn the suffering that will one day be our most effective tool for serving others.

Today, on this day when many people celebrate love, but also when many people grieve over love lost or changed through death, separation, or broken relationships, I pray we can learn compassion.

Before long, many of us will begin our observance of Lent: a season when we reflect on the ultimate display of empathy and solidarity. This is the season we contemplate the sacrifice of a Lord who took on our very nature, in all its sin and brokenness, and who suffered as we suffer—all out of deepest love.

May His example and presence inspire us to open our hearts to one another.

Comments

  1. This is a great Scripture. I'm reminded of a saying I heard, "We're walking each other home." I'm on my way anyway, why can't I put my arm under yours if you are tired? It's a blessing to have those to lean on and exhort along the way. Thank God for "siblings"

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  2. I think this is so important to our faith, to have others who have walked through the same battles! We find encouragement and love with those who get us!

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    1. Yes, that similar experience creates a unique and powerful bond that God can use to strengthen us.

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  3. "They rolled up their pants legs and waded back into the grief-filled mire they had already passed through, just to make the crossing a little easier and a little less lonely for others." Such a great post! I share your prayer - may God help us use our suffering to help others. Here's to bringing more compassion and love into the world.

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  4. A-Men Unity loving one another and being there for each other, that's part of the body of Christ's responsibility Great Post!

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    1. Thank you for reading. I'm grateful that God can use even our suffering to equip us to serve one another.

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  5. Warrior siblings... how special! I pray we all help each other by listening, caring, being present , praying and so much more. Great message.

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    1. Thanks, Mellissa. I agree that these are goals we should all be striving for. I pray I can use my experiences to be there for others too.

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  6. Great way of looking at your situation. "Friends are friends for forever if God's the Lord of them." Thank the Lord you found some support for your journey.

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    1. So true! I am very grateful also. Thanks for reading, David.

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  7. You brought these verses to mind: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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    1. I love those verses! It brings such clarity and depth to the often perplexing nature of our struggles. Thank you for reading.

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  8. God made us to live in community and sometimes we forget how much we need each other. I am glad you found the support

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    1. How right you are, Yvonne! It is very easy to forget our need for companions and fellow servants on this journey...until something happens to remind us.
      Have a blessed day!

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  9. Amen to this!! I love your line, "Life makes warriors of us when it thrusts us into battles, plunges us into heartbreak, and shoves us to the very brink of personal destruction, but we still manage to endure." That's the way I've come to look at trials... chances to embrace my inner Warrior Child of God. Love this. Thanks.

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    1. Thank you for reading, Jessica. That is a good attitude to have when you deal with hardships. No doubt, those sharing the journey with you have also been blessed by your perspective.
      Have a blessed day!

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  10. I love the idea of warrior sibling. I had friends who walked with me during dark days and they are invaluable. And I like your segue from Valentines Day to Lent. Thanks and God bless!

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    1. Thanks for reading, Nancy. It's wonderful to hear how God blessed you with brothers and sisters during your challenges. I remember you mentioned some of that in your book as well. These experiences are a double blessing since they bring comfort at the time and teach us how to share comfort in the future. Have a wonderful weekend.

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