“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40 ESV

I was meditating on isolation today and reflecting on how we get there.  This lonely place. Today, …I prayed for the isolated sisters on this earth.

I always think of Jonah when I think of the desperation found in isolation. God reached him in the depths of his situation and after him desperately trying to get out of God’s way.  Yet  even in God’s universe, you can run, but you can’t hide.  Funny enough… the irony is found in Jonah’s shipmates – they were all afraid… then they noticed Jonah – was who fast asleep- in peace, despite being out to sea in a tempestuous storm! They were so confounded by his response, they had to know who he was - and who was his God! Here was Jonah’s response: ‘Take me up, and cast me into the sea, so shall the sea be calm for you; for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you’… and ‘They took up Jonah, and cast him into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging.’ Jonah 1:12,15   I admire the spirit of Jonah, because he said: “cast me over as a life preserver  ~ and for the sake of the Seas, I will be your sacrifice.” ~ (wow!)

Sometimes the tempest in the Sea of someone’s life is for you to take an immediate action.

I have been in isolation. My world consisted at that time  of pain, some frustration, heartache, fear  and desperation. I had three friends/sisters I recall who met me in a deep, dark place and helped lifted me out of it with regularity and consistency during this time. They indeed  were the  few ‘Moses ‘ in my life, who held my hands up - ( in victory, when things got rough.) One was my biological sister – and there were two others that met me in the deep, dark places, when it seems the Red Sea was drowning me, and I was failing fast. It amazes me the degree to which we run from our sisters when they endure Red Seas. If these three women had left me… I believe I  would have drowned. (But maybe not, …maybe God would have had another ram in the bush.)

Everyone needs someone. If you don’t agree, it’s time to rehash your reasons for not trusting. Have you been so hurt you push everyone away,  thereby keeping a “safe distance” because it’s ‘just easier for you’, or less burdensome’?  (Less drama… you say ) – but in actuality, you are robbing yourself from the truth of friendship and companionship that makes your heart, and her soul come alive.  Your spirit will tell you who to trust. I asked for my friends of solace - and God sent three, during my Red Sea situation.

I recall a few precious moments with these friends from my past – and one particular situation, when I was sinking deep and needed a place to just lie my head and rest in quiet place, she was there.  Names are not important … but what was  important – was the fact she saw my face, and could tell I needed someone. It was late one night, maybe ten thirty, … and I went by her house, after driving around maybe for an hour. She opened her door… smiled and said: “come on in…” and because she and her son were up in the bed and hubby was down stairs watching TV – she invited me to come and lay on the other side of her bed for some rest. After an hour or so, I  left – refreshed and loved. It’s not until you are past these moments in your  life do you realize how precious they are. They become sacred places.

I recall thinking later in life, (of her husband) I need a husband like that.. one who lets his wife’s friend find a solace in our home. (Thankfully, I now have that… such a blessing.) God met me in a sacred place. When I needed love, companionship and peace and quiet. He met me in a friend.

Thankfully, God loves us so much He would create a refuge for us – like he did for Jonah. His solace was found in the depths of the sea – inside the mouth of a whale – a sacred place - for three days. What Jesus did in the heart of this earth for three days, revolutionized this world.

Love on your sister, today. The one…you know… who’s going through.

She needs you, … in this Red Sea situation.

Selah.