Soul Sisters

I mentioned a few weeks ago on the blog that my sweet, precious friend Joy Greene had approached me about holding a special time of prayer on my behalf, with some of my closest sisters in Christ and my Englewood "family".  Of course I agreed, as I never turn down an opportunity for prayer!  I believe there is such power in prayer and especially corporate prayer amongst believers.  

Today I was honored to have some of the greatest prayers warriors I've ever known gather in my home and pray the most sincere, heartfelt, emotional prayers over me that I've ever heard.  Truly, I was moved beyond words by the whole experience.  I've had LOTS of people tell me they're praying for me, but there's something extra special about actually gathering together and physically holding hands and hearing these sweet prayers being offered up on my behalf.  The Lord's presence was so strong today.

Joy shared with the group what a great responsibility we have as believers to pray for one another.  When we say we're going to pray for someone, we need not to forsake that commitment.  Saying you will pray for someone needs to be more than just lip service.  We need to put it into action!  Joy had us read scripture which reminds us that that Lord hears the prayers of the righteous man, but that we cannot approach the throne of the almighty God and expect him to answer our prayers if we ourselves have unconfessed sin in our lives.  That's a reminder that I needed myself, for sure!  

Joy asked that I share with the group some of my deepest, most intimate prayer requests regarding this whole transplant experience and to express some of the burdens that have been weighing heavy on my heart.  As I shared these things, each of the ladies committed to praying for two of them and wrote their commitments down on pretty little personalized cards that Joy printed up with my name on them.  This way, my sisters in Christ can pray specifically for the deepest cries of my heart over the next few weeks and months as my family and I embark on this journey of FAITH.  

We had a time of individual prayer in which each of the ladies found their own private quiet place in my house and spent time on their knees in prayer before the Lord.  As we came back together, the ladies then gathered around me, put their loving hands on me and prayed the most moving, heartfelt prayers over me and my family.  There was laughter, tears and lots of love.  I have never felt so much tenderness and sincerity in one place as I did here today.  

I can't explain the peace that I feel just knowing that these righteous, faithful, God fearing women will be praying fervently for me and petitioning the Lord on behalf of me and my family over the weeks, months and years to come.  Their outpouring of love and compassion and sincere concern has reminded me that I'm not in this alone.  God has blessed me with some of the most wonderful friends I could ever ask for and they are ready and willing to see me through from beginning to end!  I have an entire army behind me, cheering me on and encouraging me along the way.  They're on my team and I couldn't be more thankful for that!

Before our sweet time of prayer and fellowship was over, I asked the ladies if they would allow me to document the special memory of this day in my most favorite way---with PICTURES, of course!  Despite the puffy eyes, red noses and smudged eye make up, they all graciously agreed.  

I had to use the timer on my camera, which made these pictures a little fuzzy, but that doesn't change the beauty that I see in these amazing women!!

What is it about a self timer that just makes you want to act goofy?!  I love these next few pictures because they remind me of a scene from my FAVORITE movie of all time, Steel Magnolias.  "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"

Carmen definitely gets the award for funniest face in this shot!

Joy wins this one! 

I can't HELP but smile when I see those pictures!  =)  I'm going to print all of these out and put them in my hospital bag, along with the prayer cards and the sweet notes of encouragement that were given to me today.  I know there will be some dark days during my recovery but I have a feeling that looking at these beautiful faces and remembering that I am covered in their prayers will bring me much encouragement!  

Thank you, Joy, for organizing such a special time and for reaching out to me during this season of my life.  Thank you to all of the ladies who came and listened attentively as I poured out my heart and then took on the responsibility of praying for the things I shared.  I know there were several who wanted to be here but couldn't, and I appreciate your prayers from afar as well!  

I've said this over and over again, but I am SO thankful that the Lord planted our family here in Jackson, and specifically at Englewood Baptist Church, for such a time as this.  I can't imagine walking through something like this without the love and support of our "new" friends.  It still amazes me that we've only lived here for a year.  I feel like I've known these ladies my whole life.  They're more than friends, they've become our FAMILY and I don't know what we would do without them in our lives!

Thank you, LORD for the blessing of sweet friends!!!