Keepers of Kinship

This is not exactly a Preaching Alert, more of an Encouraging Word.

I read an article long ago about women being keepers of kinship. I can’t find the original, so I hope  repeating the phrase isn’t plagiarizing. It is a concept I firmly believe in as opposed to the ‘mean girl’ philosophy.

I didn’t have a real sister, but I have had many friends, cousins, and in-laws who fed into my life. I received so much help with all my crazy projects. I got discipline from friends who called me out and words of encouragement that got me through. I’ve been blessed by their generosity in many ways.

The picture above showed helpers from Missy’s wedding. Tiffany (friend) and Amanda joined me in ironing tablecloths the entire day. Patty (in-law) and Stephanie decorated the arch and did a number of other things to help.

I don’t have pictures of my other sister-in-law, Cindy, as she hustled to sort quickly to move Mom and her necessities to my house. Being able to make decisions on what to keep and what to take to the thrift store was a blessing for me. My brother, Ken, was there, too, but I’m talking about women.

Giving and receiving baby showers and hosting Tupperware parties through the years are special memories. The children’s musical productions I led called for all friends on deck to assist. They were ALWAYS there for me.

Recently, two cousin’s wives educated me on what I needed to do for Mom at this stage of life. Their encouragement and wisdom was valuable and treasured. The friendship of cousins, male and female, is precious.

Though we were unable to keep my mother in our home long term, we are working together to make her stay as pleasant as possible. The women who staff the home are being blessings to me but are mostly unaware of their influence.

Godly ancestors have been a blessing and inspiration of great magnitude. A favorite memory of my grandmother was the time Ronald and I walked in on her on her knees beside my granddaddy. They were deep in prayer for us. In church, my grandmother would have her little hankie tucked in her dress cuff to use as needed for the tears she shed on her family’s behalf. What a great example!

As I embark on another stab at a writing career, I think often of the verses shared with me long ago by a friend from my young adult years, Vicky. My hopes that I have patiently waited for (not!) are finally coming together.

My final set of comments will ostensibly tout  ladies’ businesses. I need another day or two to get my addresses together, but let’s not only support local businesses, but also other women’s success.

There are many encouraging verses in the Bible about women. Even though the culture did not value women, God did. A nice mix of Proverbs 31 and 1 Peter 3:3,4 will insure you are who God wants you to be.

I kinda like this verse – Proverbs 31: 26  “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and kindness is on her tongue.”

Blessings,

KaraBeth