It was a simple gesture, but my heart found comfort in the encouraging words written across the face of the paper. With my husband deployed on the other side of the world, two tiny boys needing mothering and fathering, and a rogue mouse loose somewhere in the 1,900 square feet that encapsulated our home I was often overwhelmed, under-socialized, and in need of an uninterrupted bathroom break.
 

One sunny Virginia morning, I unlocked the community mailbox and discovered a treasure—reassuring words of encouragement from an anonymous “sister in Christ”. This dear woman promised she had been praying for me and, because of her kindness, I was a little less alone in the challenges common to military wives.
The cards and notes continued—one for each week of a six-month deployment. Now, years later, I remember the kind way an unknown friend made such an impact in my life—with ink, paper, and prayer. Thank you, dear lady, for seeing my need!
They are everywhere–behind false smiles and polite responses.  I’m fine. They are stay-at-home mothers and working mothers.  Single women and married women.  Christian women and women who haven’t met Jesus yet.  There are women who ache to be seen, who need to know someone cares, who pray God will send them just one person to come alongside. And, friends, I am convinced Christ calls us to serve these dear ones!
Scripture tells us that we “are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” and exhorts, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” (Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:9-13)
Did you notice the implications?  God created us–each a unique display of his creative design–for doing good works!  We are given the privilege of joining Christ in serving others and fulfilling our individual job assignments.  Assignments that build up other women and point them to the Servant-King!
Would you join me?  Will you look for her–that woman in need?  Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in how you can come alongside the one He impresses on your heart–whether for the moment or over a longer period of time. Like little children, lets imitate our Father and love others large today.
Scripture for Reflection
1 Peter 4:10 (MSG) Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.
Romans 12:1  (MSG) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.