Daily Devotionals
Monday, August 19, 2024 (Mary Ann)
Better together
How many times have you heard that, as a bunch of women getting together regularly to learn more about Jesus, we are indeed, better together? If you’re a follower of these RCC devotionals, the answer is MANY times!
So I thought I’d share examples from my experience of what we mean when we say it.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Just before Christmas last year, I was driving to Rachel’s Closet to get a last-minute gift when I got a call telling me that my brother had died. It was not unexpected. In fact, I thought it would be that day. So I continued on, sad but relieved that he was Home.
I thought I had it together. No tears; I could save that for later.
Then I walked through the Closet door and was welcomed warmly as usual, but because the look on my face gave me away, I had to explain. This was the first time I had to say, “My brother died,” and I wasn’t prepared for the emotion of saying it out loud. The response? Love. Compassion. Shared tears. Hugs. And prayer.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Recently I wrote about my credit card fraud case. Well, it isn’t over because my initial claim was denied. So last week, I went to the Cities for a sit-down with a Bank of America personal banker. Mercifully, a friend and RCC table-mate went with me for support and to take notes. (Better believe I needed her!) After hearing my story, the BOA banker called the corporate fraud office in Dallas so I could repeat my story. And the claim was reopened.
I left with a to-do list that included writing “my case,” getting a police report filed and printed, then sending it all off to BOA in Dallas.
And so we wait. But the thing is, there is no way I could have asked the right questions, or kept the details straight, or done this on my own!
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
With age comes wisdom, or so someone said, which led to the naming of the RCC Bible study table of which I am a grateful member. We are the Wisdom Table. Our hair is predominantly gray, our ages range well north of Welcome to AARP, and our attitudes can be … sassy. Thus our motto has become, “What’s said at the Wisdom Table stays at the Wisdom Table.”
We laugh … a lot. We share. We cry. We pray for each other. We’ve bonded. And while this is true of all the tables of all the wonderful oh-so-much-younger women, we are the only ones honored with a name. But bragging would be wrong.
Now what about you? Dear Sisters, whether you call it a tribe, a table, a study or a fellowship, I hope you have fellow Christ-followers who will share your burdens, help you, laugh with you and pray for you. Please know you can always reach out to Rachel’s Closet Cares where you will find open arms and caring hearts. And remember: We really are better together!
Mary Ann
How many times have you heard that, as a bunch of women getting together regularly to learn more about Jesus, we are indeed, better together? If you’re a follower of these RCC devotionals, the answer is MANY times!
So I thought I’d share examples from my experience of what we mean when we say it.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Just before Christmas last year, I was driving to Rachel’s Closet to get a last-minute gift when I got a call telling me that my brother had died. It was not unexpected. In fact, I thought it would be that day. So I continued on, sad but relieved that he was Home.
I thought I had it together. No tears; I could save that for later.
Then I walked through the Closet door and was welcomed warmly as usual, but because the look on my face gave me away, I had to explain. This was the first time I had to say, “My brother died,” and I wasn’t prepared for the emotion of saying it out loud. The response? Love. Compassion. Shared tears. Hugs. And prayer.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Recently I wrote about my credit card fraud case. Well, it isn’t over because my initial claim was denied. So last week, I went to the Cities for a sit-down with a Bank of America personal banker. Mercifully, a friend and RCC table-mate went with me for support and to take notes. (Better believe I needed her!) After hearing my story, the BOA banker called the corporate fraud office in Dallas so I could repeat my story. And the claim was reopened.
I left with a to-do list that included writing “my case,” getting a police report filed and printed, then sending it all off to BOA in Dallas.
And so we wait. But the thing is, there is no way I could have asked the right questions, or kept the details straight, or done this on my own!
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
With age comes wisdom, or so someone said, which led to the naming of the RCC Bible study table of which I am a grateful member. We are the Wisdom Table. Our hair is predominantly gray, our ages range well north of Welcome to AARP, and our attitudes can be … sassy. Thus our motto has become, “What’s said at the Wisdom Table stays at the Wisdom Table.”
We laugh … a lot. We share. We cry. We pray for each other. We’ve bonded. And while this is true of all the tables of all the wonderful oh-so-much-younger women, we are the only ones honored with a name. But bragging would be wrong.
Now what about you? Dear Sisters, whether you call it a tribe, a table, a study or a fellowship, I hope you have fellow Christ-followers who will share your burdens, help you, laugh with you and pray for you. Please know you can always reach out to Rachel’s Closet Cares where you will find open arms and caring hearts. And remember: We really are better together!
Mary Ann
