Today marks one year that we took one of our biggest risks and responded to God’s call for us to display a relationship, a sisterhood, and a friendship that surpassed the world’s norms.  Was it safe or comfortable? No! We knew the criticism and backlash we’d probably receive, but we also knew God’s voice was bigger. Although we are just two ordinary sisters, God wanted to reveal an extraordinary plan through us – not because we were anything special, but because we would simply say yes! Yes to Him and yes to each other!

In the past year, we have grown and been stretched in ways we never expected. We have seen the Word of God illuminate like never before and witnessed well known verses literally come to life! This journey of our friendship hasn’t always been easy. People on the outside may look and think we just have it all, and while we feel we do, it came with a cost. The only difference between the world and us is that the cost has always been worth it to us. The more we have fought for our friendship, the more valuable and deep it expands.

My sister and I place a high value on our Covenant. We nurture, protect and guard it. We make time for each other and put in the work any committed relationship entails. And through trials and valleys, we have only grown stronger, wiser and able to reflect what God has asked us to.

Sissy and I share every holiday, birthday and in between time with each other. We enjoy double date nights with our husbands and family time with our families, and of course, our sister days! From Anjelah Johnson comedy shows to Jazz festivals in the summer, Disneyland trips and Worship Conferences, even Dr.’s appointments. We definitely remain in awe at what God has blessed us with and cherish each moment.  

Not too long ago, Sissy and I caught a story on the morning news about two Christian guys who share a very similar covenant friendship. Both married men have children of their own, but share a friendship bond unlike any other. Justin, who suffers with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy is confined to a wheelchair and paralyzed throughout most of his body. His best friend, Patrick, who they were born in the same hospital just hours apart committed to pushing Justin over 500 miles through the El Camino de Santiago in Spain. Their story inspired us and we even got to go see their documentary, which was beautiful to say the least.

This year, we have attended several conferences, including Evangelist Cheryl Salem’s “We Who Worship” and her newest Women’s Conference “Rise!” We have been blessed to be a part of her Women of the Nation Organization and glean from her wisdom and prophesy. We also attended “Hearts Ablaze” at our home church that was life changing. My sister and I are committed to our home Church, but have visited other churches just to experience the love of God, His hands and arms in action with other worshippers. We never take a moment for granted and seem to experience a new depth and height with each passing day. Most recently, we were asked to join the HSBN-TV Christian Network and host our own Show, “Heart to Heart.” This was something we never saw coming, never thought we’d be doing, but we also never thought we’d have a blog or be doing all of the amazing things we are now, too! And all this in just 1 year! We are thrilled to greet each new sunrise with the anticipation of another day in our journey and the paths before us, knowing that this next year will take us even further! We thank you for being a part of our story and pray for relationships to be renewed, healed and restored in your lives.

What my sister, Vanessa has taught me in one year: 

She has taught me the value of time, that no matter how insignificant I may feel I am, I am worth her time. My sister has taught me that I can be me, be free, even in my untouched chaos because no matter how ugly, insecure and fearful I can be, she still loves me deep. I learned from my sister that perfect love isn’t without faults, but encompasses a grace and committed loyalty that surpasses our shortcomings, and thus thrives in a vast ocean unexplored and beautiful. I learned from my sister that I don’t have to do, just be. I don’t have to impress or entertain, just breathe. I learned from my sister who God created me to be just by looking in her eyes. I learned how to skip rocks at the beach and I learned that I actually won’t die of boredom shopping. I learned that silence can be filled with more emotion than words. But most of all, I learned that it’s ok to let your guard down and risk everything for that one friend who will stick closer than a sister, because at the end of the day, she is your mirror image reflecting every possibility and dream you never thought was yours!

What my sister Michelle has taught me in one year:

There is so much she has taught me. I don’t even know where to begin. From the beginning, she has taught me that I was worthy to be fought for. Friendship is costly! She taught me what fierce devotion looks like. When I didn’t believe or thought I was capable of writing, she taught me that I was. My sister has taught me that it’s the little things that matter most; letters, notes, phone calls. I have learned that it’s about quality not quantity. She has taught me that I have a voice and to not be afraid to use it. I’ve learned that I don’t always have to be strong, to admit when I can’t and lean on her. We weren’t meant to do life alone. She has taught me what vulnerability looks like and how to express my feelings, and not discredit them. I’ve learned that Disneyland isn’t that bad after all! My sister has taught me to be bold and not fear others opinions. There will always be those who judge. The most important thing to me is to take risks. No risk, no reward and she has been the reward worth the risk!!!

What friendship is this committed, this loyal, this protective? Hell or high water, thick or thin, good or bad, we protect, cover and defend each other with an incomparable fierceness.  We have never experienced a friendship like this, but see that this is what God intended relationships to be. We are excited for where our story is going. Each chapter brings a new enthusiasm and joy! This is our story and it’s the grandest of loves! Here’s to another year of laughter, tears, joy and covenant!

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