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.