"You mean you and your sister are…FRIENDS?"

In a world where sibling rivalry and hatred runs rampant, my obviously deep and respectful relationship with my sister have caught people off guard on more then one occasion. They seemed to assume that since we were sisters we naturally held little regard for one another and spent our time intently focused on making life miserable for each other. Generally speaking, siblings seem to have a way at bringing out the worst in us. They are that one person who has the talent of pushing all the wrong buttons at all the wrong times! You end up absorbed in trying to either get rid of them or pretend they don't exist. These stereotypes are perhaps the reason why my sister and I have the ability to shock people when they observe how we relate to each other. They might be even more shocked to know that she is the first to come to mind when I think of a person who has enriched my faith and inspired by beliefs.

We grew up seven years apart. I was the much anticipated little sister and she was the best protective big sister a girl could ask for. While her friends spent their time pushing their little sisters away, my sister constantly had me involved in her life. She was a girl solid in her faith and open to continual growth. She was creative and always had ideas of things for us to do. We would read a book together, take a jog while we prayed, and took turn leading devotionals. When God called her to missions I was not a happy camper. It was fine for God to transform her life, but did it have to be so far away from me?? After 6 months she came home, more dedicated then ever. Her example, her influence, her friendship built character within myself and had the most prominent effect in the forming of my faith.

God uses all sorts of people to strengthen our faith. Sometimes their the ones we don't expect, like the boy who really got on your nerves, the girl who came across like a snob, or the Aunt you just couldn't connect with. Then sometimes it's the ones who just make sense, like a youth pastor, parent, or for me - a sister, a girl who's there from the beginning and the one you'll never be able to get rid of. To have the spiritual support from someone who is on fire for Christ has been one of the most valuable gifts I've been given. Becoming more like Jesus becomes more attainable when you have a living example right before your eyes! Yes, I AM saying all this about someone I've spent my entire life with, my sister - my friend.