What exactly is a storm sister?

Read author Afton Rorvik’s definition:

Storm Sister (n)–a friend who sticks close when storms hit her friend’s life. Such a friend might also go by the title of sister, longtime friend, rediscovered friend, or acquaintance who offers or accepts friendship in a crisis. This type of friendship particularly thrives among women connected first to God.

We have all had times in our lives when we needed someone to stand by us. When a child was ill or a parent was dying or we were struggling with the darkness of depression. Thank God for  storm sisters!

There are also times when we need to be that storm sister. But sometimes it is difficult to know what to do for a friend who is struggling with tough times in her life. We are not sure what to say, what not to say, what to do, what not to do.

Afton Rorvik’s book teaches us how to step gently into the lives of those who are hurting. Through her own story of storm sisterhood, she demonstrates how to give meaningful help.

The book was born out of the author’s own experience as she watched her mother die of a rare neurological disease at about the same time a close friend found out her three-year-old had a brain tumor. These two friends learned how to support each other through the aches of life. Now Afton is sharing what she learned.

The book is full of beautiful sisterhood stories and practical advice. It is both an intimate journey of Afton’s own experiences and practical help for those who want to be a storm sister. One part of the book I especially liked was “What if” questions at the end of every chapter. For example:

What if?

We all struggle to recognize and admit our need. What might happen if in just one friendship, you both found the courage to speak of your deep-down needs?

At the end of the book you will also find reflection/discussion questions and an exploration of what the Bible has to say on the subject.

This book would be an excellent choice for a book club or Bible study group. It is helpful for every woman who has a hurting friend.

But even if you don’t need advice on how to help a storm sister, it is a beautiful story of the relationship a mother and daughter supported by a myriad of friends.

Question: Who has been a storm sister for you?