A Note from the Editor
The sun is hot , and the rocky trail is burning my blistered feet . In the distance , I can see it - an oasis , with shady trees at the brim of a cool , blue pool . The pack on my back grows heavier with each step as I trudge on ; leaning all my weight into the steep terrain . My strength wanes and my throat aches for water , but it is in sight ! I must press on . I hear a sound , the tumble of rocks , and look behind . My friends ! Dear and old as the world I have known , they are hastening along the trail . Heavy packs strain their backs , and I can see that they share my fatigue . But their eyes shine with anticipation of the clear pool of water ahead , and they hurry to my side . Courage surging , we link arms and brace , the weight of our weariness equalizing and dispersing . Murmuring words of encouragement , we cheer each other on , one step at a time . Steps and hearts lighter , we advance .
The believers ’ journey is a difficult one . From beginning to end , our paths are laced with suffering , loss , and unexpected detours . Sometimes the way is so difficult we fear we will not make it . But courage , friends ! We do not need to walk alone . We were never meant to walk alone !
In this issue , we explore what it looks like to live in community . Sometimes this term is overused and inappropriately interpreted . Living in community doesn ’ t mean hunkering down with a group of people who will comiserate with us . It means joining in the journey with a band of believers who are in pursuit of the heavenly Kingdom , and who will surround us with truth , encouragement , courage , and compassion as we press forward .
I love the theme word we ’ ve chosen for this issue . Caravan : a group of travelers , as merchants or pilgrims , journeying together for safety in passing through deserts , hostile territory , etc .. Have you ever heard a more fitting description of the Christian experience ?
This issue revolves around finding , joining , and participating in the caravan of believers to navigate the rocky road of this life . You ’ ll read encouragement for the confusing detours along the way ; insights for ministering to the broken among us ; perspectives on the freedom of confession and accountability ; and an invitation to find rest in the desert . There is so much practical , endearing content in this issue ; I am certain it will bring courage to your walk .
In the days when pioneers were making their way west , there were many hazards to be contended . Wild animals , Indians , bad weather , and thieves threatened the safety of travelers , and therefore most families chose to journey together in long wagon trains . There was safety in numbers . At night , the wagons would draw into a circle , forming a hedge of protection that was almost impossible to penetrate . Camp was made in the center , with men standing guard around the perimeter . Today , we still use the term “ circling the wagons ” to speak of drawing together to protect something of value .
Dear friend , it is time again that we circle the wagons . Life is hard and full of obstacles . Let ’ s find ways to link arms with the believers around us , urging each other on through the rough terrain we face . Let ’ s not venture out into the wilderness alone , or stand by silently when another brother or sister leaves camp .
Here at Daughters of Promise , we are committed to investing in the community of believers around the world . As part of that mission , we are making some significant , exciting changes to the magazine . First , launching with the Sept / Oct issue , we will offer sponsorship packages that include the option for you to share the story of your brand with our readers . You can follow us on Instagram or our website for all the details ! The second big announcement is that we have decided to transition DOP from a bi-monthly to a quarterly publication . While this is a significant step , it excites me . Releasing four issues a year instead of six will allow us to create significantly longer issues with time and space to expand our content , dig deep into complex issues , and mature our aesthetic . We realize that this is a big transition , but I want to assure you that every DOP decision is made carefully , with long-term sustainability and greatest impact in mind . We will be keeping you informed , so keep an eye out for more details coming over the next few months .
This magazine ministry exists because of the community of women , like you , who believe in what we do . Thank you for making room in your caravan for us to journey with you .
Rae
© 2016 Daughters of Promise . All rights reserved . No part of this magazine may be reproduced , or transmitted in any form or by any means , electronic or mechanical , ( including photocopying , recording , or by any information storage and retrieval system ) without the prior written permission of the editor , except in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law . For permission requests please write to : daughtersofpromiseteam @ gmail . com . PRINTED IN THE USA .
6