We are two peas in a pod, you and I. Really we are, but I don’t feel that way sometimes.

Why? Well, for the same reasons you do. Let me explain.

Here is who I am:
– Former Marine
– College graduate
– Previously divorced
– Happily remarried Army wife
– Homeschooling mom
– Persistent “exerciser”
– Avid reader
– Chocolate lover
– Ice cream addict
– Forever Texan
– Follower of Christ

The list could go on, no doubt. Reading through it, though, you quite possibly found at least one thing on there that you and I have in common, maybe more. We are two peas in a pod.

Then I start thinking (this can get me in trouble sometimes). I sit in a room of women and start to notice the things that set us apart. Yes, I was a Marine, but only for a year. That’s nothing like the lady next to me who has served six or twelve years. Divorce? I’ve been there too, but no, I didn’t have kids when I walked through that. Army wife – we all know those services all speak different languages. Yes, I homeschool my kids too, but I only have two children not three or four like you.

Do you see what happens? We start to separate and divide, even in ministry, asking ourselves how we can be effective in our ministry to our friends, neighbors, Bible study buddies, whoever, when we don’t really understand where they are and we have so many differences.

I refuse.

Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:24-25). Now, I realize He wasn’t talking about women’s ministry or even the local church, but His point is still the same. Divided we become ineffective.

But TOGETHER – now that’s another story.

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We are unified as Christian military women, not because every one of us knows what it’s like to drive a HMMWV in a convoy or shoot an M16. Our moments of sending husbands off to war or even learning to PCS do not unify us. Christian military women are unified because we know our Savior. Our relationship with Christ gives us connection far beyond the physical community in which we live and brings us together more than a million deployments (whether we are sending someone or going ourselves).

Christ unifies us.

Paul talks about this very thing in his letter to the Romans. Romans 12:4-5 says,

Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

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together

Once unified, this amazing Body of Believers becomes a force for the Kingdom. We live on almost every continent on the globe, taking experiences and knowledge to communities everywhere. We join hands, not to all do the same thing, but to do what He has called us to do in the place He has planted us.

For some of us, it may mean teaching Bible studies or leading worship, but for others it means starting our own business, working in our community, talking to our neighbor, raising our children, being faithful in our job. For all of us, it is a call to step up and say, “Ok, Lord, I’m in – whatever it is you would have me do.”

If we all do that – just that one thing – together we have the opportunity to change a world.

Think about it – the possibilities of that one thing are phenomenal.

So I am asking you, when you walk through your neighborhood, step into work, put on your uniform, sit in Chapel on Sunday, wherever it is that God takes you, look at the women around you. Knowing that through Christ we are all in this together, boldly step into their world. Differences are there, but God has called us to more. Together we can impact a world simply by doing what He has asked of us today.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).

Today I am asking us to simply show up and be willing to do what He calls us to today. This is worship – and we’re all in this together.

PS: If you do not know Jesus as your Lord, we would love for you to meet our Savior. For more about this, go here. Then email us and let us know! We would love to answer any questions you might have!

TODAY – We love to join you in community. Virtually joining together is a method we use often, but we would be so excited to join with you in person! Our #strength2thrive Conference is headed to the Washington, DC area on November 7 – REGISTRATION STARTS TODAY!! (August 17)

PR 127 cropKori Yates loves adventure and her ongoing stint as an Army wife has given her just that. Desiring to bring together Christian military women and impact a globe for Christ, she has helped launch Planting Roots. Through events live and online, their prayer is for revival among military women. Kori is also an author (Olive Drab Pom-Poms) and speaker, as well as a homeschooling mom of two amazing kids and wife to one awesome Soldier.
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