Last week, I shared about God’s beautiful design for friendship. He created us to live in community—mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and yes, even chemically! When we choose friends who love and pursue Jesus, their faith helps lift ours even lessening decision fatigue. Psychologists might call it mind-melding; Scripture calls it discipleship and fellowship.

Let me introduce you to a few girlfriends-in-the-Lord we all need:

An Esther is a brave intercessor—someone who prays boldly and reminds you of your God-given calling. Linda L. was mine. She stood only 5’4” but carried a 10-foot personality. After I left a church staff wounded and exhausted, she pulled me back toward God’s calling with a firm phone call and a chicken quesadilla. She spoke truth, poured healing over me, and would not let me quit loving littles to Jesus. She is with Jesus now, but she will always be an Esther. I am in ministry today because of her pushing me to get myself together and whole, trusting the One who called me to provide a place to live out His calling on me. I am forever grateful.

A Ruth is faithful, not flaky. She stands beside you through loss and reminds you that you are never alone. Kate M. is mine. She saw something in me I couldn’t yet see in myself when I moved to Georgia. She let me start a Sunday school class for 4th–6th grade girls, and that small “yes” led to my calling as a professional Christian educator. She is a Ruth.

A Deborah is a wise, courageous leader with a prophetic voice; she rallies the troops. She speaks truth and calls you higher—even when you’re uncertain. Robin G. is mine. We met because of eclipse glasses—yes, really! In exchange she said yes to serving in children’s ministry and together we’ve started things, ended things, and started things again. She leads with boldness, and we share life through a Wesleyan Band. She is a Deborah.

A Mary believes in God’s plan for your life—even when it makes no sense. She lives her faith out loud with a heart full of YES. Judy S. is mine. Through ancient holy habits and courageous surrender, she walks through every door God opens. I get to learn from her, laugh with her, pray for her, share tables with her, be led by her, and cheer her on. She is a Mary.

An Elizabeth celebrates you without competing. She encourages, listens deeply, and shares a rich history with the Lord—so you don’t have to explain every detail. Melinda M. is mine. Long before “prayer partners” were part of our faith formation system, Melinda asked me to be hers. Every Monday morning, we meet for coffee and almost two hours of prayer and share. We share the same season of life. Melinda champions women, serves faithfully, and encourages with skill.

Rebecca M. is mine, too. We also share the same season of life and her ministry is alongside her husband. They are attached at the heart and hip. I have watched her raise boys to men, love grand girls to the Lord, and she loves through food, story, and table life. She’s funny, she is walking hospitality, and loves tea. Melinda and Rebecca are Elizabeths.

An Anna radiates joy and has a ministry of presence from an overflow of years of worshipping the One and Only who has sustained her in all of life. She loves her local church, serves through faithful presence and prayer, and lifts others so they can shine. Age doesn’t slow her—she keeps saying yes to God. Janet W. is mine. She writes notes of blessing, prays boldly, serves at a food pantry, ministers in prison through Kairos, invites women to Emmaus, and makes everyone fell special in her presence. She is darling with a side of precious! Mr. Bob says she’s the most interesting person we know. She is an Anna.

These are the kinds of friends every believer needs—and the kind of friend each of us can be as the Lord sanctifies us on this side of Glory.

So… where do you land? Which friend do you long to become? If you don’t have these women in your life yet, I can tell you where you’ll find them. At your local church.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26