Who is my brother, sister, and mother?
Today was a great day. The official announcement of my promotion to Major General was released and the rest of my day I read every congratulations post, responded to every text message and just sat in awe of this day. As I shared the news with my women’s bible study group, I reflected on the path to come to this day. I walked through the valley for the last two years and stood in faith through it all. My relationship with God continued to strengthen and I became bolder in my faith in spite of not feeling like personal prayers were being answered. Through it all, I remained firm that God had a plan. Today, I am thankful for this season of abundance but I have not lost sight of who got me here.
As I read all the messages, time and again I saw a note that called me mom, sister, or daughter. None of which were comments from my blood relatives, but from people I have walked with in this journey of life. I love it when Jesus reminds us that although our family is flesh and blood, we also have family in our fellow believers. “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:49-50, NIV). We are never alone in our community of faith. These same people prayed when I did not have the strength to pray. They lifted me up when I could not stand. And today, they stand with me in celebration of all that God has provided. This victory is not mine alone.
Earlier today, I posted the announcement on LinkedIn and shared that when I was in sixth grade I dreamed of joining the military. I watch movies like Big Red One and Hamburger Hill and knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than me. I always felt drawn to help others, I wanted to do and be something greater than self. I have served over 30 years in the military, and today, I am humbled and thankful that I get to serve a little longer. Today is beyond anything I dared to dream.
As I mentioned in my post earlier this week, I get to serve with remarkable men and women. They are your neighbors, your co-workers, and they are amazing! They see danger, and they run full speed ahead to protect the person to the left and right of them. They are my brothers and sisters and many see me as mom-not just Major General. Family goes far beyond our blood relatives.
Today, I pray that you celebrate your community of faith. I pray you don’t hesitate to call someone brother, sister, mother, and father. I pray that you never feel alone and never fail to see those that are with you in the valleys and never forget to thank them when you are in the land of abundance.
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