Thankful Thursday

There are friends and then there are Friends — anyone relate?

Throughout all the great and spectacular events in life there are those who are right there enjoying the moment with you. Screaming and rejoicing with the same enthusiasm and excitement — they are in it with you, no holds on the emotions.

And then there are those who are there for you in the ugliest of times, the driest and most heartbreaking seasons of your life. They will cry with you, offer their shoulders and fill the front seats of their car with tear soaked tissues. These you know are strong women — they help hold up your arms when you can’t do for yourself.

In midst of the noise and clamor, you breathe a sigh of relief because GOD put her in your circle. Whether your are experiencing the rain of blessings or the desert of disappointment, you know that GOD created her for you and you for her.

The beauty of kinship in the King. And are we ever grateful for our Girlfriends.

• Write down the names of three friends whom you turn to in challenging moments.
• Write down the name of three friends whose corner you keep occupied in difficult times.
• Commit to praying for these precious Ones and connect with each one (phone call, text, virtual visit, ecard, note, email) to let them know how much they mean to you.

You need not have hundreds of friends but you do need to show yourself friendly to have a friend. This was something that did not come easy for me growing up. Painfully shy, I was always afraid of rejection — so I stayed in the shadows until I saw someone with ‘kind eyes.’ And then with a heart beating out of my chest and sweaty palms I would take that step forward.

As an adult, I have come to truly cherish my beloved Girlfriends — and they know who they are. In many instances, they’ve stood in the gap where family members were absent. They’ve seen me at my absolute worse — from post-op in the hospital to having received devastating information. Some have extended the most comforting words of compassion and empathy by phone because the miles have separated us.

This is for y’all … my heart is full because of you! You’ve heard me thank you personally and privately, but I am declaring right here and now before the Lord and the watching world that YOU, my Friend, have made my life a beautiful place to be because YOU are in it.

Father GOD, I am over-the-top thankful that You know better than I and that you are the Almighty One Who can see where I cannot. You saw the soul to whom I write this tribute. You designed her knowing that our world’s would intersect at this junction called Friendship.

I ask, Lord, that You will bless her with strength and courage to get through her busy day. I ask, Lord, that You fill her with encouragement and confidence to accomplish Your Will for her life. Pour out your Wisdom and understanding on her so that she can make the right decisions for the projects You have given her. Protect her, Father, continue to lavish Your Love on her life. And because we have a pandemic that separates us, wrap your big Arms around her and squeeze her tight for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

In the comments below, write the first names of those whom you will reach out to and cover them in prayer as you hit the send button and we will pray for them as well.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary