TOP's Tuesday: Sisterhood ~ A Gift Times Two

A true sister 
is a friend 
who listens with her heart.
-unknown 

Yesterday's gift was "sisterhood" and today's, an extension of the same. There are a few types of sisterhood. The sister you are related to via blood and immediate family. The sister you receive when you get married. And of course the women in your life, your closest and dearest friends, are often referred to as a "sister". This is the gift you can't unwrap today, a combination of friendship and sisterhood, a strong and life changing bond.

Ask any woman with close "girlfriends", she'll tell you, "She's my sister, not my friend." I'm thankful for the multitude of "sisters" in my life. There is no one to take the place of Heidi or the relationship we had together. While this is true, it is possible to allow others in to our lives. Not as replacement but instead, as wonderful and special additions.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was to allow others in. I've had friends and those I trusted and enjoyed fun times with, but not too many I would open my heart completely to. Why? At the time, I wore a defensive mask, working hard to keep others out because I thought they wanted to replace Heidi and our relationship. It's taken years to realize, the wonderful, caring, and dedicated women in my life aren't replacements...they are added blessings.

Today's gift, another you can't unwrap, are your "sisters", also known as your best friends. I'm forever thankful for these amazing women God's placed in my life and more grateful God used one small child to restore hope and eyes to see it's possible to let others in. My guard is still up at times yet I've found to let a few friends, "sisters", in...life is much richer, fuller, and full of unexpected blessings.

If you've lost your sister, no one can take her place BUT if you open your heart and life...there are friends and women in your life that will walk along side you, with friendship, love, encouragement, inspiration, and energy...evidence the bond of sisterhood is more powerful than loss. God has placed other "sisters" in our lives, not as replacements, but as additions. 

Open your heart and thank God for the friends He surrounds you with. If you feel alone, close your eyes and ask God, "Who is the friend you've sent me?" Sometimes, she has been there the whole time and we just didn't recognize them.

Will you share an instance of when a "sister/friend" was there for you?

How are your friends like sisters to you?