From Chaos to Calm: Day 52
Scripture Memory: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
As you continue working on your entryways, I want you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider yourself as a friend. The question is: Are you a good friend?
Being a friend is about more than just getting together for lunch. Being a real friend means being there for that other person in times of need. Being a real friend means not just hearing, but really listening. Being a good friend means paying attention and being thoughtful – not always taking but giving.
Some women just seem to have the knack for being thoughtful, others need to really think about it and pay attention. Whether you fall to the right or the left or somewhere in the middle, there are ways that you can befriend even the most unlikely person.
If you are a woman who finds yourself with no close friends, take heart. You are not alone. In today’s society, women are often lonely and in need of friendship. Often, families relocate to areas where no family is present and they have a hard time finding other women to get to know.
If you are a woman who is blessed to have close friends, take note. There are women around you – in your neighborhood, at church, at the park, etc. who are longing for a good friend. Make it your ministry and expand your circle to include new comers. So often women who have already established their friendship circle forget that there are women who are lonely. They don’t even think to say more than a “Hello.”
Begin a personal card ministry. Take note of church members who are absent and send a card to them. Keep a chart of Birthday’s and Anniversaries of those who are close to you. Remember to send the card in the mail before the actual date. Keep a running list near your prayer corner. Stock a basket with pretty note cards, pens, an address book, and stamps. Take five minutes a day to write a note to someone. In the course of a year you will have sent out 250 note cards!
My daughter-in-law, Chelli, began a card ministry some months ago. As a pastor’s wife, she wanted to find a way to reach out to others and express her love. She makes her own cards! I am so proud of her and this has been such an inspiration to me. If you are crafty, you might enjoy spending time each week creating meaningful cards.
Begin a Prayer Ministry
Make a commitment to really prayer for your friends, church members, and people in your community. Prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give. When you are out, offer to pray for and with those who are hurting. They will be encouraged. You will be blessed.
Begin a Play Group
If you are a mom with young children, and there is no group in your area, start one! Stay at Home Moms crave friendship, but are often lacking. Set a date and time and place flyers with the information in grocery stores, at the library, and at the park. Your local radio station may even run free Public Service Announcements if you ask!
Begin a Women’s Bible Study
If your church does not have a women’s ministry that meets on a regular basis, talk to the pastor or women’s ministry leader about starting a weekly or monthly meeting. Amazing friendship can be gained by studying the Bible and praying together.
There are endless ways to meet new people and make new friends. If you are shy, God will open up the door and allow you to make friends if you just ask him. Don’t be afraid to step out. If you bathe your idea in prayer, you are sure to succeed!
Have you struggled to make close friends? Do you have a story of friendship to share?
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