A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Monday, October 1, 2012

I Just Needed A Friend



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There's just something special about sharing your heart with a girlfriend. 

A few weeks ago I felt like my life, once again, was spinning out of control. I was feeling terrible, my husband was laid off, and we found that our 120 year old house needed a new porch roof and new basement stairs... Yep, I could go on (and on), but I won't.

I cried out to the Lord and He heard me. I cried out to my husband and he heard me. I felt so much better after talking with them. But I knew that I also needed to share my heart with...a girlfriend. 

I'm not saying that God wasn't enough. Of course He was. But He's called us to community for a reason. He created us to need one another, and I needed the gentle words and understanding of another woman.

I went over to my friend's house. I know she had a thousand things to do, but with sincere concern, she led me to the couch. We sat down, she touched my arm, and by that simple touch, I was wordlessly encouraged to share my fears and disappointments. 

The flood gate was opened and deep-hurt words began to pour from me. Some words I had already shared with my Lord and my husband, and some words were new even to me. 

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♥ I love that my friend didn't give me a pep-talk; she gave me a listening ear.
♥ I love that my friend didn't give me a list of scriptures; she lived the scriptures by her grace-filled understanding, and sacrifice of time. 

{There are certainly times when I need a good pep-talk, and there are times when I need a list of scriptures; but I'm so thankful that she knew that this was not one of those times!}

Well, after many words and a few tears, I felt so much better. Nothing had changed, but somehow, I was once again ready to face the day.


  Aren't you thankful that the Lord hears our prayers and knows exactly what we need?
 Sometimes, it's just a few minutes sitting on the couch talking with a girlfriend.

"I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my prayers."
 Living in His grace!
Mary
Have you ever had a 'girlfriend moment'?
I'd love to hear from you! 
I'd like to invite you to visit 
and treat yourself to a few minutes of enjoyable reads!

18 comments:

  1. Great post! I love that ou poured out to God and your husband first, but still needed that girlfriend touch. Sometimes what our heart is crying out for isn't for someone to fix the problem, but just to listen and hold our hand as we process the problem.

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    1. Beckey, you're so right! I love that God knew exactly what I needed and provided it through a loving friend! Thanks so much for coming by today!

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  2. This was a great post, and a great reminder to me, that sometimes all my friends need is a sympathetic listener. I'm afraid I'm too prone to giving that list of scriptures!

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    1. I'm with you Jerralea! The word is so rich with answers and help... But I'm learning that sometimes the Holy Spirit can use a gentle word, a touch, or a listening ear just as powerfully. Thanks for stopping!

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  3. This is a good reminder to just take the time to listen. Thanks!

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    1. Listening can be such a beautiful gift to give someone!

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  4. My best girlfriend moment was at a time when I experienced a devastating loss and went into hiding, laying in my bed for days. My best friend came over and laid on the bed with me and cried. She didn't say a word. She just laid there and helped me cry. It was a real breakthrough for me. I agree with everything you said so well. Sometimes we just need a girlfriend.

    Thanks for stopping by today.

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  5. I'm so thankful that you had a friend that was able to grieve your loss with you. What an extraordinary gift she bestowed upon you... the gift of her presence and her tears. God is good.

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  6. Hi Mary,

    I found your blog via Jerralea's Journey and I absolutely love it. I have signed up to follow along. Your post about friends is right on the money, praise be to God for the ones we have, may we always cherish them. If you can stop by my blog and check it out, I haven't been able to post for a while but with God's help I will start up very soon :)

    Many blessings!

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    1. Diana, I'm so glad you found your way over and thanks for following! I'm on my way to your blog!

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  7. Wow! This is one of the best blogs I have ever read...really....not just saying this! You have been the friend on the couch many times for me. Great post!

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  8. Thanks Julia! I really appreciate you and all the times you've been that friend on the couch for me as well...sooo thankful for you!

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  9. This is so true... so many times, we don't want or need a "fix this" but just a listening ear. Someone who feels and knows our heart, supports us, lifts us up. The true definition of encourager. Yes, there are times to share, and times to listen. I'm glad your friend knew what you needed this day. The Holy Spirit sometimes speaks loudest in just companionship. Love the photos you used here too... :)

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  10. Pam, you're so right. Sometimes we just need someone to hear our heart. I pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can be that 'friend on the couch' to others. I'm glad you came by!

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  11. Mary...it is a blessing that the Lord provides for us friends here on earth. I believe He knows what we need and faithfully fills that need, including friendships. Thank you for linking up at WJIM this week. Blessings.

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    1. Naomi, you're so right... Friends are such a sweet blessing! Thanks for coming by and thanks so much for hosting the WJIM Link-up!

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