A group of women met three times a week. Different denominations. Different cultures. Different stages in life. This group met with a common goal - to work out. They were dedicated to show up and do hard things. But, this group of women became my community for three years. In those three years we gathered to work out, but we also gathered to pray and encourage each other. It was a place of healing for me. To see women encourage without worry of fear of competition in the workout room or on the field or on the home front was exactly what I needed at that time.

In Philippians, Paul begins to wind down his letter by addressing two women, Euodia and Synthche, who apparently were at odds with each other. So much so, that Paul got word of it in Rome while in prison. He calls them out to unite in unity (v2), but then he calls on the rest of the community to help them as well (v3). He didn’t take sides and he didn’t tell the community to take sides either. Instead he told them to take the side of Christ and unite.

The women in that workout room were serious about their faith, and they were focused on linking arms with their fellow sisters to unite in what we had in common – Christ as our Savior and Help. My last day was also the last day of one of the ladies who began this group. As we gathered to pray and say our goodbyes, one woman said, “Who would have thought that a workout room would become a holy place.” That can only happen with a community of people united in Christ – to see Him lifted up.