Sisterhood

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22

A lot can happen in 2 years. I graduated high school, I changed my major, I've lost some loved ones, and I've gained some incredible friends- maybe even the best friend I'll ever have.

2 years ago, my best friend didn't like me much. Honestly, she despised me and I wasn't completely innocent- I was selfish and prideful and didn't know how to listen. 

2 years ago, the idea of her willingly walking through the doors of Immanuel Baptist Church was a distant dream that I knew wasn't likely to happen any time soon. 

And then something changed-

The summer after I graduated from high school, I bribed my sister to come to Falls Creek. She was grounded and it must have seemed better than sitting at home for a week.  So, she came. I don't know what I expected going into that week, but the Lord had it worked out since the beginning of time.

After the first few days, everyone could see something beginning to change. On Wednesday, I got to lead my sister in the prayer of salvation. To say it was the sweetest, most precious moment of my life would be an incredible understatement.  

A few weeks later, I was leaving for college. A year before that, right before I entered my senior year of high school, I began writing in a journal to my sister about Christ and His role in the life of a believer. My friends wrote incredible letters of encouragement, my disciplers contributed their written prayers. When we started writing that, my sister was completely opposed to the idea of following Christ. When I gave it to her, she was a new believer completely consumed with love for the Lord.

Not only did my friends and disciplers write in that journal, they had been joining me in prayer for Bryse for years. I am so thankful for their commitment to prayer. 

2 years ago, I didn't think it was possible for my sister to have a conversation with me that lasted over 5 minutes. Today, she is my best friend. 

This weekend, I was able to go home to Shawnee and attend all 4 services at Immanuel Baptist Church. Why would I do such a thing? Because my little sister, my best friend, was sharing what the Lord has been doing in her life. 

My heart is so full of joy and pride and love. If one day I can say that I love Jesus as passionately and genuinely as Bryse does, I would be so humbled. She is so wise. She is so knowledgable of scripture. She craves to do the will of God. She loves people deeply. She follows the Lord wholeheartedly. 

I don't know if I've ever met a person that can relate to more people than my sister. She has definitely never met a stranger, and I doubt that she has ever met someone that she doesn't call a friend. 

I am so blessed to call you, my little sister, my best friend. I look up to you in so many ways. You always say that I am your inspiration, but let me tell you- you are truly mine. I am so proud of you. The Lord is so faithful and you are so beautiful.

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1: 15-23

I know what you're thinking... "Man, I really wish I could hear what Bryse had to say at Immanuel on Sunday." 


Well, you're in luck because I pulled the ultimate proud big sister move and recorded it for your viewing pleasure.

  

All I Need

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

This has been a funny week.

It is so funny how God can use what seems like such a great disappointment to show my heart how much He loves me. Ok, maybe funny isn't the perfect adjective... but I'm just not sure how else to word it.

For the past 6 months or so, I've known that I am going to spend my summer in Peru and I have been so excited. 


I am excited to live simply, love deeply, and serve daily.  


I am excited to speak Spanish all day long and to build new friendships. 

So, what's the problem? 


I've been excited about my ability to do all of these things. I was resting in the opportunity the Lord had given me to go and the excitement of living abroad serving Him. 

This is hard to explain, but my excitement about all of these things rested in the experience and the stories I would have to tell about it- not in the reality of actually going. 


Until this week, Peru has been an idea.  


I knew I was going eventually, but it still hadn't sunk in.

Well, it has now sunk in. 

And I'm scared. 

And I don't know what to expect. 

I think this is what He wants me to do for the rest of my life... and what if I don't like it?

Last week, I prayed that God would humble me. I prayed that He would show me that I can't go to Peru without Him- that everything I do will be because of Him. 


The thing is, I'm not sure I thought He would take that seriously.

Well, He did- and I am so thankful.  


I'm not saying that it is good to be nervous, or anxious, or scared- but I am saying that before, I didn't recognize my dependence on the Lord to get me through this summer. I was just excited! 


But I needed to be humbled. 


I need Him to show me that His power is made perfect in my weakness. 

If I don't recognize my weakness, how much do I see His power?

... Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

So, here I am- boasting gladly in my weaknesses so that His power may rest on me.

I don't know what to expect. 

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, 
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

I'm nervous about feeling lonely.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I think He wants me to do this for the rest of my life... and what if I don't like it?

 ^"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. 
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Jeremiah 29: 11-13 

You see, I don't know what this summer holds for me- but i know that He holds my heart. I know it will be good and I know He is there.

And that is all I need.