A couple of years ago my friend Libba asked me to share a little bit of my story about HeartStories at a conference she hosts for women at her church. When she asked me to share, I immediately said yes. No hesitation, no thinking about it… just yes.
As the time for the conference drew near, things got a little rocky with HeartStories. I was feeling unsure and didn’t know what was going to happen next. I wanted to share an encouraging message, but I didn’t know if I could. If there’s one thing that’s pretty consistent about me, it’s that I have a habit of telling it like it is . . . and it wasn’t really great at the time.
But I had a great friend.
Libba drew out the best in me. She knew just the right questions to get to the heart of the story. She dove in for the deeper truth, the meaning behind the journey and the person I was becoming as a result.
On top of that, she surprised me with an emotional story that reminded me who I was, that I was loved, right there in front of everyone. She probably has no idea how much she encouraged me that day. It was huge for me.
She believed in me, even when I was having a hard time believing in myself.
We all need that at times. Life is a journey with peaks and valleys. As I get older, I’ve noticed the long smooth patches have become more rare and far between.
We need to hold each other up sometimes.
We need to offer a shoulder to lean on or a clean mirror to look into. We need each other on this journey, more than ever.
Think of a time when you’ve needed a friend like Libba. Someone who could see you and believe in you when you couldn’t.
Who was there?
Stop what you’re doing right now and send her a text, would ya? Let her know you remember. Let her know how much it still means.
And then, look around, think about the women in your life who have a tough load to carry. Pick one. Just one.
Send her a text too.
Tell her what you see. You see her weary and fighting. You know the journey is hard. But you can still see her light.
You can see her shining and becoming the woman she was always meant to be. You know she’s not giving up and you’ll be right there with her until the end.
This is the good stuff sister.
This is what makes life worth living.
Love somebody well today.
To more love,
Crystal
