Waterbearers

This week, I've been so fortunate to attend not one, but two different inspiring talks at our church. Our entire family (yes, all EIGHT of us) heard Fr. Larry Richard's speak during the Parish Mission and I'm planning to share a little about that this week; but today, I simply must share about the retreat day based upon the story of the Woman at the Well.

As women, we are intimately connected to water. It has been so since time began. We use water in feeding our families, with warm water we bathe our children, we comfort the sick in our homes with compresses soaked in cool water, at the beginnings and ends of lives around us--water is present--it is a necessity, but as women we see the potential gift it offers as well. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the many gifts the waterbearing women bring to our lives.

The Women of the Scriptures teach and encourage us with their courage and faithfulness to God, strength personified in answering God's call for their role in salvation history.

The Women of the Past teach and encourage us with their wisdom and steadfast examples of what perseverance and endurance looked like at the end of a life lived for Christ.

The Women of the Present teach and encourage us through the sharing of their joys and struggles as we journey alongside one another.

The Women of the Future teach and encourage us with their sweet, innocent love for Christ and their unfailing trust in His promises.

These women,
the waterbearers,
journey together as one
through the waters of Baptism.

Sharing their joys,
their sorrows,
their struggles,
their hopes,
and the knowledge
that the water,
which connects us,
is:

ever-flowing,
never-changing,
always-present,
life-giving,
thirst-quenching,
and soul-satisfying--

Poured down on us,
providing for our every need
for all eternity.

Who are your waterbearers? Are there special women who have blessed you on your faith journey?