Building BridgesSample

BE A BRIDGE BUILDER

Bridges are created to connect what has been separated. They make a way across what once seemed impossible to cross. And I believe that’s exactly what God has called each of us to be: bridge builders.

Proverbs 24:3 (TPT) says, “Wise people are builders — they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure.”

In our homes, in our friendships, in our churches, and in our communities, we are meant to bring people together, not push them apart.

When I think about what it means to build bridges, I’m reminded of the story of the Brooklyn Bridge. When construction began in the late 1800s, many believed it could not be done. The engineer, John Roebling, had a vision that others could not see. After his tragic death, his son Washington continued the work, but an accident left him paralyzed. Unable to physically oversee the project, he relied on his wife, Emily, who became his voice and hands. For 14 years, they worked together through pain, loss, and opposition until the bridge finally stood complete, a lasting symbol of faith, perseverance, and connection.

That story reminds me so much of how God works in our lives. He gives us a vision and invites us to trust Him even when we cannot see how everything will come together.

When I first began my walk with God, I had to learn that same kind of trust. There were times when fear and insecurity were louder than my faith. But even in my brokenness, God was building something within me. Through obedience, I discovered His blessing. And that obedience eventually became Arise, a ministry that has now stood for 15 years as a bridge for women to connect with God and with each other.

Last year’s Arise Conference reminded me again that God’s plans are always greater than ours. We were fully prepared to host our event at Inspire Waikele. Months of planning, volunteers ready, every detail carefully arranged. But the night before, a pipe burst and flooded the entire church. Our staff rushed in at 3 a.m. to salvage what they could. We faced a choice: cancel or continue. Deep in my spirit, I felt peace, an assurance from God that we needed to keep going.

We moved the event to Inspire Mililani, and even then, God wasn’t done. After two days of searching and praying for a larger space, we received a call. A prominent hotel in downtown Honolulu had opened their doors to us. In that moment, Isaiah 43:19 came alive.

“Forget the former things; see, I am doing a new thing! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

What looked like a setback was really God building a new bridge, a bigger one than I had ever imagined.

Arise has never been just a women’s ministry. It’s a movement of bridge builders, women who connect faith to purpose, hearts to healing, and lives to the love of Jesus. It’s a community where we are strengthened, encouraged, and reminded that we’re better together.

For 15 years, I have watched God use Arise to restore, empower, and unite women from all walks of life. And as I look ahead, I know He’s not finished. The same God who built a bridge through my obedience is building new ones through each of us.

Reflection

Where in your life might God be inviting you to examine the foundation you are building on? Are there any areas where you have been avoiding repair or reinforcement?