A Litany To the Women Who Got Me Here

In Magdala small groups, we have a session in our curriculum reflecting on our four strings of identity: as a daughter, sister, spouse, and mother. When asking the Lord to reveal which He would like to heal me through this season, I felt the word “sister” pop out on the page. When I asked why, I heard a gentle whisper speak the name of one of my best friends. 

This is a friend who, in the past few months, has gone above and beyond in caring for me and being there in really difficult moments. In my anxiety and chaos, it was her care for me as a sister that broke through my spiral, got me to laugh, and showed me the light again. 

When reflecting more about her love as a sister, I was flooded with memories of the women in my life who have helped me on my recovery journey. So to the women who received me with the eyes of Jesus and loved me when I felt unloveable, this one’s for you.

To the women who stayed up with me late into the night with a seemingly endless list of intentional questions for me… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who have never once made me feel any bit of shame for my story… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who know just what to say to get me out of my own head… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who know my food order at multiple restaurants… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who don’t look at the clock when we spend time together… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who have sat with me in my lowest moments, and didn’t leave… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who changed their plans to come be with me when I needed them… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who always find something to affirm in me, even when I can’t… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who help me to feel safe and understood… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who want more for me than I ever thought possible… Bless them Jesus.

To the women who have been the face of Jesus to me… Bless them Jesus.

For the inside jokes we’ve made together… Thank You Jesus.

For the cooking victories and fails we’ve had together… Thank You Jesus.

For the long road trips where we solved all the world’s problems… Thank You Jesus.

For all the music we’ve made together… Thank You Jesus.

For all the movies we can’t stop quoting… Thank You Jesus.

For the photo albums of memories together… Thank You Jesus.

For the memories that photos could never capture… Thank You Jesus.

For laughing so much my stomach hurts… Thank You Jesus.

For crying so much I ran out of tears… Thank You Jesus.

For the godly advice that’s been shared… Thank You Jesus.

For friendships that feel like family… Thank You Jesus.

Through the intercession of Mary and St. Elizabeth, who modeled holy and joyous friendship so well, may God bless each and every sister that has brought me closer to the Lord. Jesus, give us strength and continued consolation as we continue to run this race to Heaven together. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Send this to a sister who has changed your life for the better.