This chick has been blessed with some really great friendships. I’ve lived through seasons of having lots of great women pour into my life and I’ve lived through some seasons of having only one or two really great women pour into my life. I think it’s natural. You grow up, you move, you get married or they do, you have kids or they do, you change jobs, you move (again), your kids grow up, you work in the home or out of the home….get my drift? Life is all about changes and I think it’s natural for some relationships to remain and some not to. It’s okay.
There was a period in my life where I found myself waist deep in serving in vain. It had all started out with the right motives. I wanted to go back to work part time in order to be a part of our getting out of debt plan. My sweet husband and I really felt that God was directing our steps. Except for one thing. Part time turned into full time, which turned into two roles, which turned into a very public and demanding role. All for God. Except all the “working for Jesus” became work at the expense of my family. My primary ministry got my 3rds or 4ths. Not good. Truly not aligned with God’s Word. I was a mess. I tell you all that because it explains my outlook on friendships in this season.
I treasure my friendships.
I haven’t had much time in the past 3 years to nurture my girlfriends. Working full time, raising two Senior girls and just sent my oldest off to college. I am overjoyed that God continues to allow me to hang out with great chicks on Monday night as we dig into His Word together. And my sweet husband has a demanding job that sometimes takes him to far away places for long periods of time. My mom lives close and I like to make sure she’s staying independent as long as possible. Doesn’t leave much girl time, does it? At least not in this chick’s heart. I’ve spent too many years not focusing on Him or my family the way He has called me to. I’m not going back there.
I’m currently in a season of having just a couple of really great women pour into my life. They are there for me physically, they call, they write, they text, they giggle and most importantly.. they pray. There’s no click. There’s not any judgment. There’s no demand or expectation of time. It’s all a grateful mix of the time we do have together and letting each other off the hook when we can’t get in girl time while we handle the details of our primary ministry. It’s the real deal. No games, no pretenses, honesty, vulnerability and doing life as a community.
I love my online friends. I do. They are such an encouragement to me and speak Truth into my life constantly. But they really don’t KNOW me, ya know? I think you have to actually “do” the thing together to truly know and be known to one another. Online friends can become IRL friendships but they take intentionality. True, deep friendships.. they last a really long time and they don’t have strings attached to them. Just lots of grace and love and forgiveness.
“God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
I pray that you have true friendships in your life. If you don’t… stay tuned in the weeks to come to chime in on ways to build up hope, so we will be altogether in this.
I want to introduce you to my friend Gussy…
I met Gussy (her real name is Maggie.. but she loves it if you call her Gus) at Blissdom 2010. She is a delight. A sweet, creative chick who is a complete joy to be around! I immediately fell in love with her and the way she made everyone feel like we had been friends forever. If you count Gussy as one of your close girlfriends, then girl.. you are blessed! She’s celebrating with me in the re-launch of JustaChick and offering a $30.00 gift certificate to her shop.
Aren’t these to die for?
Accessorize this fall with Gussy ruffles! Inside the shop you’ll find headbands, clutches and tote bags in warm, bold colors that you can easily add to accessorize your outfit. Buy a Gussy for yourself or give to a friend — either way it will come adorable wrapped and sealed with love. XO!
I’ll announce the winner tomorrow morning first thing.. all you have to do is leave me a comment with an answer to these questions: Do you have close, true girl friendships? If you do, how do you build each other up? If you don’t, what keeps you from encouraging one that He’s put in your life?
I can’t wait to hear from you!
I do, but my best girl friends live many states away right now! I'm waiting for God bring a new friend into my life or show me someone in my life that I need to get to know now.
Thanks for the encouraging post!
Thanks for stopping by Amy! I can't wait to hear who He puts in your path and encourages you along! My best girl friend and sister is at least on the same continent now.. just in another country, so I am praying for our far away girl friends with you!
I do have a few close friends I’m blessed with. We lift each other up by just staying in touch , praying for and encouraging each other thru calls text or even a night out to just talk. I love myfriends and wouldn’t be complete without them!!
and they wouldn't be complete without you.. thanks for the kick in the pants this weekend. 🙂
I have close girlfriends – but most of them do NOT live closeby. Some live in AZ, some live in the south (where I wanna be) and a couple live in Heaven (where I'm GONNA be!) I wish there were more heart friends close by, but Thank You JESUS for technology, because I need me some love & encouragement.
(PS – YOU are a heart friend fo sho!)
Amen.. thank you Jesus for technology and love and encouragement and IN YOUR FACE accountability.
I do have a couple of close girlfriends. They are always there. Without judgement if I mess up. Or there to help out if I need it. They are the friends I'd walk through fire with and not expect anything in return.
Those are the best kind Amy!
I cannot imagine life without my closest friends. We encourage each other, speak truth into each others lives, hurts, fears, and pray for one another. Some of my favorite times are spent walking and talking with a true friend.
Walking/talking/latte's? Sounds like a slice of heaven girl!
I have friends, some who are pretty close, but not that kindred spirit type. Still, all my friends are a blessing from Him, whether I've met them or not…and yes, I'm talking about all my blogging buddies! 🙂
Kindred spirit type… those are amazing.. Praying He sends one your way soon. P.S. I love my blogging buddies too!
I love and SO treasure my true close girlfriends. I have some from HS, College and here- other moms who are in the trenches like I am- they are the only way I get by some days. __:)__Love this post and so excited about your re-opening!
You have some awesome girlfriends Hillary! Truly blessed beyond measure. But then, it's easy to love you.. you are so stinkin' funny! Thanks for jumping in.. I have it on good authority that I might get to hug you soon.
Dedra –love the new design and love your heart! I completely agree that you have to 'do the thing together' to know and be known. Love that you're showcasing friends…. love it!
Thanks Mary! Melissa rocked the re-design… and put up with my nonsense! Love you girl!
Sweet girl — Love you much and I LOVE what Melissa did — she's a multi talented chick!!
I have my sister, and my best friend Jenna. We help eachother when issues arise, and support eachother all the time. My sister is one of my best friends, and will always be.
My sister lifts me up. Oh gosh I'm blessed to have her around! Thank you for this, ladies. It's actually her birthday next weekend. hmmmm 😉
Dedra, Love your new blog! I've been very blessed to have some very dear friends, however most of them live far away. My sister and I are best friends but for spiritual support I tend to turn to my girlfriends. I even have friends who live 1/2 way around the world and even though we don't actually talk much, we always know where to turn when we need each other.