 My name is AMY, after 10 years of IBC being my home, I made the leap to join staff. I coordinate for all things Women's ministry which means colorful decor, great teaching, and a fun time all the time.
Peanut butter & jelly.
Chips & salsa.
Copy & paste.
Chip & Joanna.
Tacos & Tuesdays.
You & me.
Well, perhaps not you and me specifically, but I’m guessing that you’re getting my point: sometimes things are just better together.
This familiar adage was just that to me until a few years ago, when I was sitting around a table at Women’s Bible Study with a group of women I had only recently met, and they had placed their hands on my shoulders and my knees, pouring out prayers for me.
After our first child was born, my husband and I had traversed a long road of secondary infertility and were about to embark on our last round of in-vitro fertilization. Infertility can be a very lonely journey, and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t feel that way. I thought I was the only one. But after being in Women’s Bible Study for just over a semester, I began to share my journey with them.
There’s something about sitting around a table with others, studying God’s word, sharing meals, doing life, and traveling hard journeys. In that circle, we shared our joys and sorrows. When we leaned in with our shoulders touching, the burden was lighter to share. When we put our hands together in praise of God, the rejoicing was a lot louder. And when women placed their hands on my shoulders and knees to pray for one more round of IVF, it felt a lot less lonely. I went from feeling isolated and alone to a place to belong where I was known. We were all better together.
This semester in Women’s Bible study, we are studying the book of James, a book written to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” James is specifically writing to a group of dispersed Christians, encouraging them in the face of difficulty and instructing them on what genuine faith in Christ looks like when it’s lived out daily with others. There’s a reason there were 12 disciples – we aren’t meant to do this alone. James is writing to tell them that they are truly better together. And we are too.
At Women’s Bible Study this semester, there is a place for you to find belonging, be encouraged, and build community. The IVF journey didn’t turn out as we had hoped – but I didn’t have to carry that burden alone. Sitting with sisters reminded me that God loves me, He is present with me, and He reveals that love every day through the people next to us. He knows that we are better together.
Find your seat in a circle » We meet in the mornings and evenings on Tuesdays. Tacos welcome. |
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