A Prayer Posse “Boomie” Brigade

If you’ve been part of the Vineyard for any length of time, you know the importance the pastoral staff places on small groups.

For the whole of the 17 years I’ve been at the Vineyard, I’ve always been part of a small group, both with my husband and individually. I’m a firm believer in gal pals and having a ladies small group has proven to be invaluable.  I’ve witnessed first-hand the benefits of a small group family. Were it not for the prayer support from both of my small groups – I doubt that I would have survived the last few months.

In the last three months, my family has dealt with COVID, the stomach flu, broken relationships, the death of our beloved dog, a cancer scare and a life-threatening health crisis with my daughter-in-law.

In May I required several mammograms, ultrasounds and a biopsy on one of my breasts (or “boomies” as my toddler granddaughter calls them). That time between the “boomie” procedures and final results definitely tested the levels of my spiritual maturity. I am happy to report that my biopsy showed no signs of cancer and my “boomies” will remain intact and live to sag another day!

Last week our family faced our biggest trial to date when my daughter-in-law suffered a life-threatening blood clot in her leg that required a dangerous procedure that put her at a high risk for a stroke. The procedure was a success and she is out of the hospital and we’re all feeling blessed beyond belief that she survived.

I can testify that throughout every single one of these difficulties, I managed to remain at peace.  Mostly. It was a peace that likely would have been impossible were it not for the combined prayers from both of my small groups.

My small group friends are spiritual warriors. My gal pals, specifically, are my “go-to” prayer posse squad. I can call or text at any time of the day or night with an urgent prayer request and my warrior sisters will immediately go before the Lord on my behalf.

Knowing that my sisters were praying for my “boomies” to be cancer free helped me to remain calm until I received the final test results. The assurance that my prayer posse was in fervent prayer for my daughter-in-law kept me from falling apart.

Scripture warns us that we are ALL going to experience difficulties throughout our lives. Knowing that I’ve got a prayer posse squad helping me to pray my way through trials, whether they include broken relationships or broken “boomies,” lifts me when I am down.

If you’re not part of a small group family yet, why not consider looking into joining a group. The Vineyard has dozens of groups of every sort from Bible studies to bike riding for both men and women alike.

We don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone. You’d do well to surround yourself with a squad of warriors that can carry you through – when just can’t carry it alone.

John 16:33