I just got back from a wonderful time with my sisters. We hung out, ate great food, walked around cute shops and sat by the water. An extra bonus was we meandered through the area where our family lived for a few years, which brought back great memories. There are four of us girls and we laughed too loud and loved every minute of it.

I recently read an article about elephants. The study found that elephants that had older sisters lived longer and were more productive (as opposed to male older siblings). Can I get an amen from all the big sisters out there?! ;) Come on, girls!!! There’s power when we hang out, instruct and encourage each other!!!!

Lionesses are another example of community and support. They live, hunt, groom, eat and nap together. Kinda like my sister weekend!

Community is God’s idea. Genesis 1:26 tells us: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” (italics mine) God is not isolated and alone. From the beginning He was with Jesus and Holy Spirit. They are a team. If we are created in their image, then we too are made to live, work and play with community.

It was so important to God that we be in relationship with Him, that He made a way for us to always have that by Jesus dying on the cross for us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

In her book: Lioness Arising Lisa Bevere writes:

“Here is some of what I know of heaven’s daughter:
She is lovely, intelligent, and capable.
Her life is connected rather than isolated.
She is loved by God and hated by Satan.
She is oppressed worldwide by both subtle and obvious means.
The question remains: what might she be collectively if she was supported and strategic?”

We need each other. Together we can be a force that changes our families, our communities, our churches, and our world. We should not be in competition with each other. We should be supporting each other. It can be soul-filling or soul-draining depending on which group you are surrounded by. Choose wisely.

Lisa also shares this:
“Alexander the Great said, ‘I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep, I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.’”

I love this powerful image. We can be brave and confident, because we follow our Lion, Jesus. It is not in our strength that we are courageous or victorious, it’s in His!

It was a soul-filling time being with my family and being back in New England. I was able to walk back into my life with renewed hope and strength. It was good to be reminded that I am not alone. I am supported and loved.
I have also experienced the same thing having coffee or going for a walk with the other “elephants and lionesses” right here.
When we show up for each other, we make a difference! We need each other! We can all feel isolated and alone with what life throws at us, but we can also choose to reach out and find that community we need.

The day after I got back, I hit the ground running but empowered and refreshed! So, as we step into our lives today may we go boldly and securely knowing we are following our Lion!
”I will never leave you nor forsake you… Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD, your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5,9

All My Love~
Jodi xoxo

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