all 7 of us go to the same church, but i wasn't especially close to any of them until last may. unbeknownst to most of us, we were all looking for a way to get something more out of our personal relationships with God. i don't really know how it came about, but God made it known to linds that she should mention the idea of a Bible study to each of us individually. the struggle was to find a time that we could meet, without children, to talk earnestly about God. eventually we settled on 6 am on friday mornings.
linds felt compelled that scripture memorization be the manner of study. she did not tell any of us ahead of time exactly how much we would be attempting.
the first friday we met was exhilarating. and daunting. we were set to memorize Philippians 2:1-18 (but only 2 verses a week). i was overwhelmed, but linds encouraged us to pray for help memorizing. what an amazing effect scripture has had on me, and i can see its effects in these women who have become the closest friends i can imagine.
i cannot remember a time when i have been surrounded by a group of friends who are determined to grow closer to God. the openness and honesty, combined with the compassion and grace each person offers to every other person, is something i had never imagined finding in a group of women.
in the last 10 months we have memorized Philippians 2:1-18, Proverbs 31:10-30, Psalm 121, and the first 12 verses in a topical memory system.
i have experienced the Bible as a living thing, capable of transforming any part of my life i allow it to touch.
i have experienced change in my marriage, and an openness to change in myself i did not plan for. i have been confronted with my faults by seeing myself through the lens of scripture. i have been raw and hurting, and comforted by the Bible and the arms of my friends.
this is just the starting point. through this study, i am building the foundation for the rest of my life. and hopefully creating a ripple effect through the lives of everyone i meet.
Thank you God for this friday morning Bible study.
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