Friendship: A Special Gift From God

I am a firm believer that everything in our life has a purpose.  Every event, every obstacle, every person, every friend. 

I have been very blessed that during specific times, God has placed very special women in my life to help encourage, challenge and support me.

Growing up, it was my friend Stacy.  We both moved to Florida when we were in the 6th grade and connected immediately.  We were both in a new state, a new school and the Lord brought us together.  We were inseparable until we married.  Still friends, almost 30 years later, she will always be a vital part of my life.  Friends that have that kind of history with you are a jewel.

After Russ and I married, we moved to Opelika, Alabama so he could serve a church as Student Minister.  I was terrified leaving my home and my family.  I begged God for a friend.  When we arrived in Alabama, many of the people from our new church stopped by our house to help us unload our U-Haul.  Karesa came by that night.  I didn't know it then, but God had already chosen her to be my friend and to love and encourage me while I lived so far from home.  We connected in such a way that I can only explain as a God thing and to this day, we can get on the phone and pick up like we were together yesterday.  Not only was she an answer to prayer for me, but she came with a husband that connected with Russ.  Chuck and Karesa quickly became the couple that you can go on vacation with and still be sad to leave at the end of the week.  Now that is a special gift from God!!!!

Another special gift is when you find a true friend in one of your family members.  My Aunt Marcia is that for me as well.  Affectionately known as "Sasha" around here by my children, she has been in my life since I was a child.  Only 14 years older than me - in the last several years, we have discovered a friendship that goes beyond family.  A connection that I can again only explain as a God thing.  She too knows me, challenges me, encourages me and she loves me and my family.  She is such a gift and I am so thankful for her!

Then about 6 1/2 years ago, God brought Emily into my life. She and her family began attending our church. They accepted Christ and Russell baptized them.  I can't really explain how or when we connected.  I wasn't looking for a friend - it just happened. And now it feels like she has been my friend for my whole life.  I have watched her step out in faith time and time again with everything from leaving work to become a stay at home mom - to the adoption of her 3 youngest boys.  It is an honor to be her friend.  Like the others, she has encouraged me, loved me, supported me, challenged me, laughed with me and cried with me.  We have gone shopping together, had meals together, we have carpooled with our children to and from school.  We have spent countless hours on the phone together.  Sometimes trying to solve all the problems of the world - other times being silly and talking about nothing important at all.  Our husbands roll their eyes when we get together knowing that our family secrets will be exposed and that they will probably be the brunt of some of the conversations.  But, they don't say much because they also know that it makes us better wives and moms when we are done.

Everyone needs a friend who you can have a "Brat Moment" with.  You know, the kind where you can call them up and completely vent and be ugly and say all the things you wanted to say about a current situation in your life - but didn't.  You can totally let your guard down and know you are completely safe and will not be judged or condemned because of your feelings.  Because they know your heart and know that what is being said really isn't meant deep down.  But they are there to listen, encourage, love and sometimes yell at you and straighten you out and point you back in the right direction.  Emily is that kind of friend.  She sees me as me - not as Cami the "Calligrapher" or Cami the "Pastor's Wife".  She knows I don't have it all together and doesn't expect me to.

She is also the friend who has encouraged my "girly" side and has taught me how to accessorize with fun jewelry!  I've never been real great with that.  I tend to find a favorite piece and wear it all the time.  But not with Emily around!  She is so good and mixing and matching and finding the perfect jewelry to go with the outfit.  I have more "bling" because of her - again, our husbands roll their eyes!  For my birthday, she gave me a whole bag full of many new and fun pieces.  I was so excited because she is moving and I can no longer borrow hers.  Ha! Ha!

God has done so many wonderful things in the Bennett family.  Back in November, Bruce accepted a new job in New Hampshire and the Lord blew all the doors wide open for them to go.  Emily stayed behind while the adoption of Carter was finalized.  Each month, she went to court and things would be postponed a little.  She would call me so upset.  This was hard on her - their family was separated and she was caring for 3 little ones by herself.  I would comfort and encourage her although being secretly happy that this meant she would be staying her a little longer.  At last they were given a final court date for the adoption.  This long time of separation for their family was over. But now the count down for our separation had begun.  I'd known for 9 months that moving day was coming but it was always "out there" - never finalized.  I wouldn't let my mind wrap around it.

The movers came and  everything became real.  We spent as much time together last week as possible.  Going to lunch, getting our nails done.  All the while  ignoring the inevitable. Not wanting to go there just yet. I drove to her house on Friday for one last goodbye and passed the moving van in the neighborhood.  I burst into tears.  This was really happening.  I walked into an empty house.  So many memories for us.  Small groups, birthday parties, the kid's sleepovers, my babysitting the boys, game nights, Halloween parties, New Year's parties, baby showers, ugh!  The list goes on.

Saying good bye to a friend is hard.  Knowing that your relationship will change - but also knowing that you were blessed to have it to begin with.  Friends like this are a gift from God. I have no doubt about that.  He always knows exactly what I need, when I need it.  For the past 6 1/2 years - I've needed Emily in my life. 

I realize that as I typed that - it sounded like our friendship is over. But it's not.  Like the other friends that I have listed, it's only just begun.  It will take on a new shape - a new form - but it will always be there.  When you connect with someone like this - you connect for life.

Know that you are loved deeply, Emily.  You have been an answer to prayer and my special gift from God.  You will always hold a special place in my heart. You will be missed greatly - but thank God for cell phones and computers.  We WILL stay connected and in the mean time - I'll be online shopping for flights!

I love you, my sweet friend!