FOR THE GIRLS.
There’s a specific moment in each person’s life where they look around and they think to themselves, “It just is that good.” That moment was when I was surrounded by a group of women on a spa day in Franklin, reminiscing on my mom and who she is on her year death anniversary. Contradicting. I know. How on a day that is so hard, could I think to myself that life is good? We were relaxing at Southall and I was trying not to cry. I think everyone was trying not to cry with me.
In those quiet moments, I believed and reminded myself, Jesus quite truly does bring people in your life to fill in the gap. For me, the gap is being filled by women who are a few years older than me and have walked through a season ahead of me in this life. They are women who have kids, they are women who have lost their moms, they are women who are still single at 35. They are women who above all, know how to love well, no matter the season they are in. I went on a community walk the other day with 70+ women and called my best friend friend after, smiling from ear to ear, excited to tell her all about it. To hear the conversations going on among a bunch of girls, all in different seasons of life..it was inspiring. Some are going through job changes. Some just graduated college. Some are texting a new boy and are giddy about it.
I’ve always rolled my eyes at the quote, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” But wow — I resonate with that quote now. I was raised by a strong woman who feared the Lord. I believe because of the way she raised me, I am strong in my convictions and fierce in my love. I am surrounded by strong women and because of those strong women and their walks with Christ, I have fallen deeper in love with Him.
If it weren’t for the girls, I don’t know if I would have a faith like I do. If it weren’t for the girls, I don’t know if I would dream as big. If it weren’t for the girls, I don’t know if I would travel as much as I do. If it weren’t for the girls….I don’t think any of us would have as much fun.
There are characteristics of a friendship that are Godly and good. And honestly, sometimes friendships can become overcomplicated. The truth is — Christ has the answers and they’re shown in His Word on what it looks like to be a good friend and to have good friends.
A good friend is :
Willing and able to carry your burdens when they become too heavy — Galatians 6:2
Always there to call you higher in love, even if it might sting for a minute — Proverbs 27:17
Like minded in thought, action and deed — Philippians 2:2
Quick to forgive — Luke 6:31
Eager to gather in His name — Matthew 18:19-20
AND — so ! much ! more ! Just go look in His word and you’ll find passage after passage on what being a good friend and having a good friend looks like.
I hope you have those kinds of people in your life. Whether it’s a group of 2, 4, 20 or 50. I hope you have those girls. I hope you have those girls who are in your corner. I hope you have those girls who will drop everything and drive 6 hours when something devastating happens. I hope you have those girls who get a group together to celebrate with drinks for your new season of life. I hope you have those girls who don’t expect anything from you, and yet still have fun with you.
I hope you have the kind of friendships that increase your faith. I am forever grateful for the girls who have made me better by going to the Cross each day and encourage me to do the same. I hope you have those girls who will question different things that are going on in the world in order to grow your faith. I hope you have those girls who will drive around in the car listening to worship music with you. I hope you have those girls who will pray for you. It’s the prayers that have meant the most.
I’m grateful for the girls. I am grateful that Jesus saw Adam and said he needed a companion. I am grateful for the moms, like my mom, who have been the greatest role models. I am grateful for the girls who love well.
May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.
always your friend, ellie.
