Since then through many moves, we remained close, encouraging each other with life's ups and downs. She's the person I can call and not feel dumb because of my fears. She does the same with me. When Curt lost his job, she stood by my side as we pulled ourselves together and moved forward. When a serious relationship of hers turned sour, I did the same for her.
We joke about whose turn it is to support the other. One of us always needs to be together enough to help the other as life strikes.
Last winter, right before the end of the year, she called me. "I'm depressed. It's not just the holidays. I think I will never feel Joy again or love someone and always be alone. My life is the same day after day."
I remember trying to encourage her. Promising her that life can improve. Pointing her toward past events. Past moments of triumph. Nothing I said worked this time. She cut her calls back, Went to a doctor, Tried everything.
Each morning, I pick up a notebook where I keep names. Names of people I've met online or in person who need prayer. I'd prayed for Pam in the past but this situation warranted more, I added her name and beside it wrote JOY.
Nine months passed.
During that time, I finally convinced her to join Facebook. "You might meet old friends. Find new relationships. Feel connected." She hesitated. Complained she didn't have time. Didn't know how to do it. Finally she wrote her first post. Maybe one line, I can't remember but I do remember how soon she connected with friends from her childhood home.
Before I knew it, she talked about going home to her class reunion. I said, "Do it!" She found someone to care for her 93 year old mom, her dog, and booked her tickets.
We always love a good ending, don't we?
Hang on, I'm going to give you that.
She called to say she wept when she drove toward the town she grew up in. The weather was cool, unlike her hot years spent stuck in Florida. She met up with more friends than I can count and she felt JOY.
Answered prayer.
But that's not the best part.
My friend was approached by an old boyfriend. A long lost love. A guy she broke up with because she went to college and felt it was the right thing to do considering the circumstances.
Let me end here because I don't want to share too many details. What amazes me is how God answered not only my prayers for my friend but turned her life upside down in a way we never imagined.
Friends praying for friends. Changing the course of lives.
Check back for the rest of the story...
15 comments:
Made an error that first time commenting! This story could make a great plot line for a book Terri! And I appreciate your prayers! God is working through you. I look forward to reading Part Two.
Thanks for this ray of hope, Terri. Our daughter is going through some "stuff" right now that makes my heart ache for her and her three darling kids. Your post helped me see that circumstances can change, if we don't give up.
Thank you for sharing this story! I love reading about answered prayers. I've had many--for myself and for friends--that I love remembering. It lifts my spirit everytime I hear of another answered prayer. I treasure my prayer-warrior friends!
Can't wait to hear the rest of the story! So thankful that your friend is moving forward, and that you were there to support her. What a blessing! Never underestimate the power of our prayers. God does hear us, and although His timing may not be ours, He takes care of us. So grateful for that! :)
Going back to your title, this story held power for me because you were led to pray specifically for Pam. That's what you had faith for and it shouldn't surprise us that's what God did! But it is always exciting to see His hand in it all and see so many aspects of the story unfold in the supernatural. I love testimonies!
You're a treasure Terri. What a reason to shout "HALLELUJAH PRAISE GOD!"
I sense a book coming on, and you already have the title - When Friends Pray.
Two to go please. One for me and one for my friend Ingrid.
Hi Terri! (I bet her name really is Pam...)
You have such a beautiful relationship with this woman, how you've helped each other! I'm so glad you encouraged her to go to her reunion. Even if it doesn't work out with her ex, she had a great time.
Joy is so needed in our lives. We just can't live without it, and certainly God knows that. Thank you for responding to the grace you were given to help her. Doesn't hurt that you're a counselor too!
Can't wait to hear what happened!!
Ceil
This is awesome. I pray for people, like you, that I've never really met. I also pray for friends. Thanks for being there for your friend, for encouraging her, and for praying.
I love this Terri. There's so much here, friends praying for friends, God doing miracles, and Joy. Wishing you an amazing weekend.
What a lovely thing to do, Terri. I love that idea of writing down an inspirational word next to a name. I must try that. A few of my friends are going through some hard times at the moment. Incidentally, my middle name is Joy. My mother said I was a bundle of joy when I was born - aaawww. It often makes us laugh now because I am a big grump when I wake up each morning, until I've had my coffee :) Thanks for sharing and I hope your friend is blessed with all the JOY she deserves. Have a lovely week.
You are a very nice friend.
I have a coworker who is going through a break up and I could use some ideas to make her feel better. I think prayer is one big source of help when it comes to helping others. You are so right.
I am a firm believer in prayers, Terri. I pray for people all the time. I'm so happy things worked out for your friend. Prayer offers hope, gives peace, gives a person a chance. Thanks for sharing this.
Happy New Year to you
PRAISE GOD. Wonderful story. Many Blessings to you Terri, and your family. Trisha
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