Becoming your sisters’ keeper~ helping hands.

Genesis 4:9 ~Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” and He said “I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper?”~

When we read this verse in Genesis, although God is speaking to Cain about his brother, we can apply it to relationships with our sisters. A true sister is not only one by virtue of a natural connection, but also those connected to us through our brother Jesus Christ. They can come from any country, race or culture but in Christ we share an unbreakable bond of the spirit. Natural relationships are broken after we die but the bond of the spirit will last for eternity.

The fact that we are women means that we share similar experiences and are in the best position to encourage and strengthen each other. So often, however, we can get so caught up in our own lives, our own highs, lows, ups and downs that we don’t take notice of what’s happening with our sisters around us. Also our relationships can become buried under fear of inferiority and competition. When we compare ourselves with one another, if we think we come up short, we can allow envy to stunt the growth of our relationships.

The Hebrew word for keeper is Shamar. It means to take heed, keep guard, keep watch, to observe, celebrate, preserve and save life. Clearly, this word has a very broad and deep meaning. So let’s pause for a minute, read these words and ask ourselves- do we take heed to, keep watch over, preserve and celebrate our sisters? Where are our sisters- spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally? God expects us to be there to give a helping hand and lift the other up. The truth is that all of us at some time in our lives need that helping hand. But we can’t help if we don’t know where each other is.

Of course, being a true sisters’ keeper is not always easy. There are the times of laughter and celebration but there will also be the times when we have fight to preserve, keep guard and save our sister’s life. We must make ourselves accessible and available to speak God’s truth and love in difficult times. It takes some level of sacrifice but the rewards are immeasureable. Small gestures like calling or texting or bigger gestures such as paying a visit or taking a sister out can be made . Whether great or small, the important thing is to be there for each other to listen, pray, strengthen and encourage each other.

We started this ministry in order to reach out to other women. To connect with and encourage them and also to be encouraged by them. We wanted to share the experiences of our lives and make practical resources available to help women. We pray that you will find this a source of encouragement and that you will also feel inspired to become a true sisters’ keeper, praying for and encouraging other women you meet along the journey of life.

God bless you!

Marisse and Carol-Angel