I'm writing this post far from my home in Oregon. I've actually traveled to Denver, Colorado for the weekend to be with my mentor and good friend. It was an unexpected trip... one that I never imagined that I would take.

My friend, well... she and her husband have always been this iconic couple for marriages. They did more premarital counseling, mentoring, officiating weddings... more than anyone I've ever known. Everyone wanted their marriage to look like that of my friend and her husband.

As it so happens, about a week ago, I got an email from her. It was simple, blunt, and to the point. In the email, she wrote one statement that made my bones shake and my eyes sting with tears.

"He has left me."

I sat, stunned, looking into the small screen on my phone with my jaw open and my eyes already burning. I had no words. I couldn't believe it. It was a wife's worst nightmare.

So, I immediately made plans to be on a flight to Denver as soon as I could. I arrived yesterday evening and I have been encouraged, uplifted and warmed by what I've seen. Women... so many loving and faithful women... have come around my dear friend. They have flown in from around the country, driven overnight from far away states, to be with her in her time of need.

I sat at a table full of women last night, and I just looked into their faces. These women who loved each other, supported each other, lifted each other up off the floor when knocked down. It was humbling to sit at a table with such faithful servants.

As I looked at each woman, then looked at my friend... I could see the stress lift off of her shoulders. I could visibly see the change in attitude. I could tangibly feel the love and faithfulness of Christ being poured out by His people.

I thought to myself "This is what it's all about."

And isn't it? Community. We're not meant to go through life's struggles on our own. We're not meant to journey by ourselves. This marathon of a race was meant to be run with friends, with people, with family, with community.

We're meant to be surrounded. I pray that this place becomes a safe haven for you. That you feel connected and uplifted and surrounded by other women who are on a journey alongside your own. No matter where you are in life, I pray that you can come to this place and be reminded of the goodness of the Lord.

I am thankful for you. I'm thankful that you're here... surrounding me with love and encouragement.







My personal blog: The Outdoor Wife
Find me on Twitter: @theoutdoorwife