I Love Girlhood!
More Lessons from Moving Back Home
This summer I have been exploring girlhood! It’s trend that been happening all over social media recently, and at first I thought it was just something cute. But after moving away, and not having people in my life that truly knew me, I began to miss my friends and deep community they gave me. I also experienced the opposite of girlhood, in a tough narcissistic situation. Which made even more grateful for my friends. After moving home, I realized that girlhood, or for me biblical women-hood, was designed by God so we can uplift and understand each other in a unique way. Ruth and Naomi always come to mind when I think of relationships with women in the Bible.
Ruth tells Naomi “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die—there will I be buried.”(Ruth 1:16-17) How beautiful is that? To have a friend that will follow you whenever you go, and support your goals.
When I moved away my closest girl friends acted out what Ruth said. When I moved home, they circled around me and cheered me on in excitement. Not all my friends were able to stay through all my transitions, but the best ones did. My Ruths. God has also introduced me to new women that I can learn from, and is slowly healing the wounds from lost friends. every time I meet a new girl friend, I smile and know that God always has a plan. That the connection between women in friendships is special. It what I want ALL women to experience. I want all women to find the Ruths, or be a Naomi. While being married is incredible, I will never take my friendship for granted. Especially the ones that 20 years before my marriage began.
Girlhood isn’t always about yap sessions, sleep overs, wine, going out or shopping (although I do enjoy all of those). It’s about listening, prayer, deep conversations, crying, and sometimes being held accountable. It’s about truth, the beauty that comes with biblical femininity. Biblical girlhood might sound restrictive to some, but for me it’s about the freedom I have to express myself as a woman. To be strong, even during my weakest moments. To not only lean on my husband, but other strong women around me. To me that is the ULTIMATE girlhood!
Theres a reason why friendship break ups hurt so much. We have to be careful who we let into our lives. Because the wrong girls will steal our joy, and make us falter. A friendship without love is just an acquaintance. Just like marriage, friendships are influenced by our relationship with God. While it might it not be in the same way, it will reflect how you view and treat others. It will even reflect who you place in your life.
I would love to hear your thoughts. What does girlhood mean to you? Also feel free to drop a picture of your best girlhood moment in the comments. I hope your enjoyed my pictures. I couldn’t choose just one this time!
Until next time Kyrie Eleison- Lord Have Mercy Upon Us.
Awww this was so cute! I pray for this strong of a friendship one day.