I was absentmindedly deleting old messages on my phone when my Mom’s text thread popped up. My finger hovered over the screen as I debated over rereading our last texts. I clicked her name and smiled at her emoji-filled words of encouragement. Then I came across one of the last texts I wrote her.
Mom had been incredibly strong as she fought her cancer, but that day she was feeling vulnerable and afraid because she knew what was coming . . . the end of her fight.
My text read:
I know you are feeling overwhelmed with everything going on now. It’s difficult to face the reality of what’s happening, and now you’re facing the biggest challenge of your life—to trust God and accept His will. You won’t be alone. We’ll be with you every step. I know God will pour out the grace you need to be at peace. I love you so much, Mom. You can do this. You can be brave.
They were similar to words my mom had spoken to me, numerous times, when I doubted myself or felt unfit for the task God had placed before me. She was a pillar of support and encouragement, and our family absorbed that concept. Being there for one another, despite our differences, has cemented the idea of sisterhood and brotherhood strong in my heart.
We, as sisters in Christ, have the responsibility to look out for one another and offer support during the moments of joy and of struggle. We’re all striving to live by the words of Scripture, "Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm" (Isaiah 7:9).
We need faith in God 24/7 but for the times when we falter and doubt, we need our mothers and our sisters (whether by blood or by love) to hold us up. Let’s look around and see who needs a word of encouragement, and when we’re struggling, let’s humble ourselves and seek the help of a friend.
We’re all on this faith journey together.