Who Loves Her Momma Tribe

He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

EVERY MOMMA TRIBE looks different and forms to meet different needs. Some are made up of young mommas who are just starting to raise their children and gather for community and friendship. Some momma tribes form at church and grow through the Word. Others, like the one I was in, form in our neighborhoods. When my daughters were in grade school, the moms on our street all took care of the kids in our neighborhood, making them lunches and providing snacks at one house or the other for several years. I still think fondly of those simpler times and those wonderful women who were my closest friends.

A very short story in the Bible tells about a group of women who came together to mourn the loss of one of their own, a woman named Tabitha (or Dorcas). Scripture records that she was always doing good and helping the poor. When she became sick and passed away, those who knew her went to get Peter at a neighboring town, where he was healing the sick.

When Peter came into the room where Tabitha’s body lay, the women who had been part of her tribe were gathered around her, mourning. They showed Peter the robes and tunics that she had made when she was still with them. I imagine them holding out their arms to show how they proudly wore the clothing sewn in love for each of them.

After seeing the love these women had for their dear friend, Peter asked them to leave for a moment. He knelt to pray and then “turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive” (Acts 9:40-41).

Tabitha was back, and what a sight to find her tribe, once there to mourn, now standing together and rejoicing! It was a wonderful miracle that led many to believe in the Lord.

Momma, you may not have found your own tribe yet. You may be searching for that special group of close friends whom you can count on through thick and thin. But know this: You can be the Tabitha who covers others with your prayers and gathers friends together in the name of the Lord.

Tonight we pray for the momma who loves her momma tribe! Lord, they are the most supportive group of friends, sisters, cousins, or maybe workmates. They are loving and caring, and they watch out for each other. They lift her up when she is down. They dry her tears, and together this band of mommas laugh until they cry. They keep no record of wrong. They are the best! Lord, bless each one in this tribe tonight. Grant them sweet, restorative sleep.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Jesus, thank You for these special women who have come alongside me—whether now or in the past...