It has been said that to have a good friend we must first be one! How very true this can be. As I have traveled the road of life, it has been my privilege to have lived in many places. My first home was a farm full of love and joy back in Sikes, Louisiana where I lived with my Momma and my loving Grandparents until my Daddy came home from service in the military. I have some sweet memories seen through pictures taken with my loving Aunts and Uncles who were still living at home at the time. Memories are beautiful keepsakes.
Later, my parents moved to us many destinations determined by the United States Navy. It was difficult to form friendships due to the limited time we stayed in each duty station, however I found my brothers to be the best of friends growing up. I learned how to find joy in everyday pleasures. It was a rough and tumble childhood with many a band aid necessary to cover the skinned knees we fell privy to after a day of fun. I stood up for them many a time even though I was "just a girl". How fortunate we were to have each other! Some evenings after we had all been tucked into beds in our separate rooms we would call out to each other; 'I love you, sweet dreams'. To my hearts delight we truly meant each word. They were my buddies for life.
Life has a way of taking us to destinations we would never have chosen. Some fifty years later we live in separate states and still say I love you on the phone. Our paths have taken us to places far away such as Hawaii, Guam and Scotland, however one thing is true; sibling love is a bumpy ride which has sealed our hearts for eternity. Oh, to know the joy of sharing such a bond is to see the face of our creator and know without a doubt we were meant for far better things than we can imagine.
Many of my closest friends as a woman, have been those I have met through worship and studying God's word together. We have a common bond as sisters in Christ; one of love and concern for one another. We pray for the needs of each other, pouring the power of prayer and genuine compassion as well as our testimonies of God's grace and power reveled to us through His Holy word. Just this week my newsfeed is full of good wishes and offers to provide meals so that we can rest and find healing after Momma and I had similar surgeries within a week of each other.
A dear friend came to be with us from Virginia in order to love us and help me gain perspective during what was a stressful few days while waiting for test results from biopsies. Instead of worry and fear, we found joy in spite of circumstance. Andrea was here to drive me to surgery and pray with me during my recovery. As I write she is traveling home to be with her husband and rest after the trip. Many have called to encourage and help in times of concern. My heart is so full. I have asked the question many times ; how do people manage without Jesus? Friends we have a divine hope which will always provide even more love than friendships here on earth. Proverbs 17:a reads: A friend loves at all times. And some are even closer than a brother. My heart is so full. Blessings and love all mine.
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