Sisterhood Devotionals Weeks 1-3

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Greetings Soror -Happy Sisterhood Month!! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(Philippians 1:2) Welcome to March 2022, today and each Monday throughout Sisterhood Month you will receive a weekly scripture, devotional, prayer and reflection/journal question designed to encourage, inspire, praise and draw us closer to God. The 2022 Sisterhood weekly devotional series is created especially for you by NoVAC Chaplain Council and is affectionately entitled Pearls of Wisdom. These devotionals are intended for Sorors only.

Devotionals are based on virtues which all Delta women should embody and strive to attain. Sorors, we respectfully and humbly ask you to reflect on one presented virtue for the entire week; journal, apply, and incorporate the virtue into the way we think, behave, live and experience others. Let us be like Jesus in loving, serving and caring for others as we live out these virtues. Spend time with Jesus in prayer seeking how the virtues of Compassion, Justice, Fellowship, Temperance and Fidelity can come alive and be lived out in a positive way with family, Sorors, neighbors, friends and anyone God puts in your life/path. One of my favorite quotes by Corrie Ten Booms says, “Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”

Sorors, let us be encouraged as we look forward to the goodness and promises of God to protect, keep, and never leave nor forsake us. ( Joshua 1:5; Deuteronomy 31:6; & 31:8; 1 Kings 8:57; Psalms 12:7; Proverbs 4:6) Meditation Question: How can I be more like Jesus in living a virtuous life? Reflect and journal about useful ways to manifest the virtues of Jesus and our 22 Founders.

Happy Sisterhood Month and enjoy the Pearls of Wisdom Devotions.

Your Sister in Christ and Delta, Soror Annette Sanks NoVAC Chaplain [2020-2022] *Devotionals are for Sorors only.

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A MOMENT OF COMPASSION

By Soror Anita Banks “But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?”1 John 3:17 CEB Fearfully Chaotic! That can only be the two words that properly describe the desperation on I95 for drivers on January 4th of this year. The frozen interstate was the site of travelers including the likes of families with small children to a Virginia Congressman, all at a standstill for close to 24/hours. One couple spotted a Schmidt Baking Company Semitruck up ahead, took a chance and called the company headquarters. They left a message about stranded, hungry travelers in hopes the company would be willing to offer whatever products they could off their truck. A short time later, a company owner returned the call, gave the truck’s driver instructions to distribute bread and the driver and the couple did just that to hundreds of grateful travelers. The company owner said, “we’re humbled and grateful that we could help.” There was a need and there was a decision to be made. The decision could have been made based on profits and the products may have remained on the truck. However, the decision was made based on compassion, having the sympathy or concern for the suffering or misfortune of others, in this case the suffering travelers. Also, it's interesting, maybe ironic, how bread became the ‘saving grace’ during the crisis on I95. The significance of bread to events in the Bible and the fact bread is mentioned over 400 times between Genesis and Revelation cannot be overstated. One cannot help but wonder how much greater of an appreciation do the I95 travelers have for ‘bread’ given their experience?

Sorors, a true beauty of humanity, this innate circuitry to demonstrate empathy and kindness, a natural awareness to uplift the spirit, which we hold as precious as a jewel. It is most fitting that our Founders chose Compassion for our great Sisterhood, Compassion.

Prayer: Loving and Merciful God. Help me be compassionate even facing the most degregating situations of life so my resulting show of love will in turn point others directly to You. Amen.

Reflection: What recent experience have you had where you really have not taken time to thank God for bringing you through it?

And Justice for All

By Soror Patricia A. Harris Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV: Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the misfits. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!

In the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States, we promise loyalty to the flag and commit to “liberty and justice for all.” Recent events make you question this promise and the commitment of our fellow Americans. For if justice as defined is getting what you deserve in rewards or punishment, what is required for that to be true for every person in our society. I urge you not to lose hope but continue to lift your voices to proclaim that “Black lives matter!”

Lady Justice is blindfolded as a symbol that “all” people are entitled to justice. It is not just for the majority race. “Justice for all” means the privilege belongs to all individuals regardless of race, gender, national origin, economic status or political affiliation.

For 109 years, our Sorority has spoken up for those who have not been extended the privileges due them in a free society. We decried the unjust killing of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and others. We refuse to support the passages of laws that abrogate voting rights. We raise our voices to be the “one nation” in our pledge.

Proverbs 31 reminds us that we serve the God who is concerned for justice. In our service to the disadvantaged, we glorify God. Black lives do matter to God, and the unjust will be recompensed for their evil ways - today, tomorrow and at Jesus’ return.

Prayer: Lord thank you that you are the just judge who cares for us. As we speak against injustices, we know this battle belongs to you. Help us to glorify you as we serve others. Bless my Sorors during this month and every day for the rest of their lives with full privileges that belong to citizens of this great Nation, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Reflection: Lets help others remember the words of our Pledge of Allegiance and the preamble to our U.S. Constitution – “All men are created equal….” Will you pray with me for our nation and for this to be fulfilled?

The Warmth of Sisterly Fellowship

By Soror Phyllis L. Linnes And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV) Social media has a way of reminding us of what we posted last year or even five years ago.

These memories can make us laugh or cry. A Facebook memory of my Annual Sassy Slumber Party made me want to do both. This photo captured friendships spanning over 18 years.

Donning matching pajamas, we celebrated each other with laughter and libations.

The cultivation of loyalty within the warmth of sisterly fellowship is the gift that Delta offers to each of us. Fellowship is not merely a gathering of good girlfriends or a chapter meeting.

Fellowship is an action word that requires intentionality and engagement. Koinonia is used 19 times in the New Testament and can be translated as fellowship, contribution, sharing and participation. The Word tells us that fellowship is not just about being together, it’s about doing together!

In honor of the virtue "Fellowship", please lift up the names of four Sorors whom God has placed on your heart.

Good and gracious God, thank you for my Sorors. This sisterhood is powerful and empowering. I lift up (mention each Soror by name and any known concerns). Help me to open my heart as we nurture this sisterhood. Revive their hope! Bless their health and overwhelm them with every blessing you have for them! Allow us to practice fellowship in our actions. In the Name that is above every other name - Amen Reflection: How can I reignite the warmth of sisterly fellowship with Sorors when there has been a disconnect in koinonia?