Valentines, Galentines, ... and Women Friendships

February often turns our attention to romantic love, but it can also remind us of another beautiful gift: the friendships we share as women. Whether we call it Valentine’s or Galentine’s, this season offers a chance to reflect on the relationships that encourage, strengthen, and steady us.

Intergenerational Friendships

Scripture shows us that women were never meant to journey alone. Think of Ruth and Naomi, a powerful example of intergenerational friendship rooted in loyalty, faith, and shared purpose. Their story reminds us that deep connection across generations can bring guidance, comfort, and unexpected blessings.

Mary and Elizabeth

"As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

We also see this in Mary and Elizabeth, who supported each other during pivotal seasons of their lives. When Mary visited Elizabeth in Judea in Luke 1:39-45, their time together was marked by encouragement, affirmation, and shared faith, a model for how women can uplift one another today.

³⁹ At that time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice, she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Friendships Grounded in Faith Rather Than Comparison

God calls women into community: older women mentoring younger ones, peers walking side by side, and friendships grounded in faith rather than comparison. In a world that can feel isolating and demanding, these relationships become spaces of rest, wisdom, and growth.

As we celebrate this season, perhaps the invitation is simple: reach out, encourage a sister, listen deeply, and cultivate friendships that reflect God’s love. Sometimes,

the most sustaining love stories are the friendships that help us keep walking in faith.