When I first moved to Billings, over nine years ago, I was lonelier than ever. Sure I talked on the phone with friends and chatted online, but at the end of the day, I was hungry for real face to face friendships. So, I stalked church websites for Bible studies, mustered up some courage and walked into women’s fellowship with fear and trembling. I felt like an insecure junior higher all over again…Who would I sit by? What do I say? Will they like me? Each week I showed up and slowly started to connect with others over the highs and lows of motherhood and grew in Christ. It felt good to be understood and known in a new community. Little by little, friendships blossomed and play dates popped up. It was a fun season of park play dates and mommy chitchats in the shade while the kids played. Then, my girls went to school and that mommy friendship connection disappeared. I could no longer make friends in the same way.
So, I bravely ventured into another new community, this time a multi-generational women’s Bible study. We studied God’s Word together as we grew in friendship and it was the most delightful thing. This dear group of women taught me how to love all of God’s Word and especially the Psalms. They answered countless questions about the Bible, motherhood and just life in general. They taught me how to pray and earnestly seek God. At times, they gently showed me where my thinking was off and lovingly redirected. They encouraged me to love my husband and daughters well. They prayed for me and my family. These dear ones even brought meals. They got to know my children and even invited us over. We laughed and cried together. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced! Over a span of years, they have generously and graciously welcomed me into God’s family. I am deeply humbled by the body of Christ, it has been and continues to be a powerful display of God’s grace and mercy.
I am ever thankful He drew me into true community. His Word and His people and His presence have transformed this lonely girl. Face to face conversation and sharing life in real time beat Facebook and Instagram every time!
And guess what, there’s a seat at the table for you, too…wanna join us? We’d love to have you for our Spring Lecture Series, Wednesdays from 9-11 am starting April 10th. We will be learning about what Kingdom living really looks like from a variety of wise women in our community.
I’m loving diving deeply into His Word…
Faith E Women 