The Power Of Friendship

Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

As a young woman, I encountered the lie that female friendship was untrustworthy, and I adopted it as truth. I was warily friendly, willing to be cheerful acquaintances but refusing anything further that might require emotional vulnerability.

Oh, how I wish I could pull my younger self aside and unpack with her God’s powerful example of female friendship woven throughout the story of Ruth and Naomi, exposing and uprooting that falsehood.

Ruth was Naomi’s daughter-in-law, and when both women experienced widowhood and famine, Ruth followed Naomi back to Israel. It is a story of redemption for both women, culminating with Ruth being grafted into the direct lineage of Jesus Christ through marriage to Boaz. But it is also a story of the power found in female friendship, of what can happen when we live in community with other women who love and follow God.

When Naomi despaired, Ruth encouraged her, keeping her moving forward in faith. And when Ruth was uncertain, Naomi advised her, giving her sound guidance on approaching Boaz, their kinsman-redeemer. I’ve often pondered the push and pull of their friendship—one was strong when the other faltered, and they took turns holding each other up.

Healthy female friendships are one of life’s greatest treasures. It’s been my girl friends who have given me the final shove out of my comfort zone on any number of occasions, so that I would take the risk of saying yes to God. Girl friends have stormed the gates of heaven for me in prayer, have made me laugh so hard my stomach muscles ached for days, have gently told me I was wrong. Girl friends have been an essential part of my faith journey; I would not be the woman I am today without their influence and love. My heart swells with gratitude for the women God has placed in my life—some for only a season, some for the long haul. And I keep my eyes and ears open for new friends God might send my way in the future.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

This Galentine’s Day, tell your girl friends that you love them and why you are grateful for their friendship. Ask God to send new friends across your path.