The most wonderful component of the friendship that I’m sharing about is my “bestest” friend for over 20 years, Enlane Grandy. We have been friends since we were 12 years old.  It has been a very colorful journey from elementary to the present and will prayerfully continue when we get to Heaven.  I know within my heart that our friendship is an awesome part of God’s plan and purpose.  

Enlane is one of the most selfless, loving, and compassionate people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  No matter where life has taken either of us- from high school graduation, to going off to college, to getting married and having children, and even living in other cities- our friendship has always remained strong.  I thank God for having a friend who would rather not tell me her thoughts or feelings when I am sharing an issue, problem, or concern; but one who instead she promptly leads me to the word of God saying, “Let’s see what God says about this.” In a day and age where friends are more apt to steer you to be more like them or to resemble the things of this world, it’s an honor to know someone who sees beyond the superficial and who instead sincerely prays for her sister in Christ. 

To share an example, for years I lived in confusion about salvation and what it truly meant to have a personal relationship with Christ.  I had been in church my whole life, but like many, I was in search of more.  God allowing her to witness my struggle firsthand opened the door for her to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with me. Not only did she invite me to church, she shared scripture, testimonies, and purchased materials (books and CD’s) to help me.  You see, many friends would rather buy you things; but how many would give you Jesus- the best gift that anyone could ever share with anyone? Now, that’s a true friend!  I am forever grateful that she made it a priority for me to know and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.  She has shown me by example what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and to expand it.

 Even with our busy lives, her life much busier than mine (being a nurse, 4 children, studying for her Masters @ Dallas Theological Seminar), we always find time for our weekly, routine girl talks. These talks often lead to both of us encouraging and uplifting one another.  Most have their definitions of true friendship, but there is no doubt in my mind that God predestined our friendship long before we met in the sixth grade. And, this is what has made our friendship uniquely different, setting it apart from any other that I have ever had.  I thank God for Enlane and adore her beyond words.  She has been such a sweet blessing to my life in more ways than could ever be contained, which is why I had to share about her.

I have known Teresa over half of my life. Seventeen years ago we met when I was a freshman in high school and began attending the church where she was the youth pastor. During the first several years, she taught me about salvation, grace, and growing in Christ. Not coming from a practicing Christian household, Teresa’s house was often my second home, a safe haven, as I know was the case with many other young adults.

When I left for college four years later, we stayed in contact and she continued to be a guiding light in my life. Eight years ago after being hurt very badly by church leadership and having given up on God all together, I once again turned to the solid spiritual guidepost that Teresa had become in my life. I ended up moving to Texas seven years ago to work in ministry alongside her and we have since developed a friendship deeper than my words can express.

She is my mentor, my confidant, my spiritual mother, and one of the closest friends I have. We share creative ideas and build each other up. For each other, we are sounding boards, reminders of God’s promises, inspiration, stand-ins at family gatherings, and prayer warriors. Someone who started as my youth pastor many moons ago has become so much more to me. I’m privileged to be one of her many “kids”, but more than that, I’m grateful to be her dear friend. I am so blessed to share this life with a friend as amazing as her.

Teresa has no idea I’m submitting this essay. She lives day in and day out serving, loving, and sowing. She freely gives without thanks, appreciation, recognition, or reward. With that being said, there is no other person more deserving of honor than she.

Thank you for providing this amazing opportunity to share what awesome friendspiration Teresa is in my life.

When I saw the email about Flourish Friendspiration, I stopped what I was doing and jumped on it. This person could not go unrecognized.  I would like to take this opportunity today to honor and thank this very special friend of mine.

This wonderful woman of God has been the greatest influence in my life ever since I met her about 3 1/2 years ago. From day one, she has stood beside me with open arms and a loving heart. We met each other during a time in my life when I was doing life according to my understanding.  She kept inviting me to church, over and over and over again, never giving up on me. Her persistence through hearing, "Maybe next time", from me over and over again, eventually lead me to this wonderful House of The Lord, which lead me to give my life to Him and become saved.

She is always teaching me about the Lord's love for us. She has held my hand through heartache and pain, through the laughter and the tears, through facing and overcoming difficult trials from the past, and has celebrated every victory along the way.
Her faithfulness as a disciple of the Lord has lead me back to Him and completely altered my understanding of who He is, and therefore has forever changed my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for her unconditional love and friendship, and influence.  

On top of being an amazing friend, she is a widowed, single mother of two beautiful teenage children, who actively serve the Lord in this House.  She is also a full-time student, career woman, daughter, and entrepreneur. Through all the trials and tribulations in her life, she stands tall with a loving, sincere, open heart. I have never once heard her complain, or talk down to or about anyone. She is always pushing forward with a positive, uplifting spirit and a smile on her face. She is an overcomer.  

She is a strong woman of Christ - a true Psalm 16 woman- who follows the dreams that the Lord has given her, and pursues them with laser focus.
She is a true inspiration to everyone that knows her, and a blessing beyond measure to everyone she comes across. 

She is my friendspiration.  

So, today I celebrate you, Cynthia Maria Diggs. Thank you for always being a loyal, loving, and faithful friend. I am forever thankful for you and honored to call you my friend and sister in Christ. 

 
 With love forever,
 -Bianca Pouttu

In October of 2005, my mother and father were living in a Holiday Inn in Gretna, Louisiana, having just returned to the New Orleans area with the rest of our family after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  Only about a year earlier, my maternal grandmother (a strong, independent, faithful, and thoroughly Beautiful woman – not to mention, an Awesome Cajun Cook) sold her home and begin a steady decline into co-dependency due to the onset of Alzheimer’s.  

My aunt and uncle had taken her in for close to a year after she sold her home, but the demands of the disease on my uncle (her son) were proving to be too hard for him to continue to handle. They sought to put her in a home, considering the situation my mother was currently in – a two-bed hotel room with one bathroom and no kitchen.  This was not an option as far as my mom was concerned.  She took my grandmother in, the three of them living in that tiny hotel room, at the same time that she was dealing with the gutting and reconstruction of the home that I had grown up in.  Needless to say, this was an overwhelming situation at times, but time marched on, and putting one foot in front of the other each day (even as you are shedding bitter and frustrated tears) gets the job done eventually. 

When my mother, father, and grandmother moved back into my childhood home months later, there was little in the way of that sigh of relief that comes from a job well done.  My grandmother’s condition continued to deteriorate.  This remarkable woman who introduced Jesus to me when I was little at the prayer meetings she held in her home, made me egg sandwiches every day after school, and got a job serving lunch to my brother, myself, and our friends at our local Church school, became child-like in her demeanor.  She could no longer focus long enough to watch her favorite soap operas or hold a conversation. She grew more and more into herself, into her own little world, away from those of us who loved her.  This affected my mom most of all.  The strongest woman I know, she persevered through the hopeless moments, the times she felt the full force of the degrading aspects of this disease affecting the person she most respected and dearly loved.  The range of feelings that plagued the last five years that my mom had with her mother, while she didn’t really “have” her at all – anger, frustration, heartache, sadness, depression did – yet still she held on in constant prayer for strength and grace to the One that would not let her go!

My mom was faithful to my grandmother, no matter what the task or what some might have found demeaning.  Despite her overwhelming feelings, she would not give up on my grandmother and move her to a home.  She was faithful to her children, my brother and sisters and I, for she showed us physically and emotionally, and in faith, that love perseveres!  She lived the Bible for us in those five years- “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” (John 15:13 KJV). She laid down her life as she knew it to care for the one that had cared for her.  In this testimony of my mother’s true love, I honor both her and my grandmother for the examples that they are to me, and the blessings that they have secured for my children and the many future generations of our family.  My very best friend, through this one example out of countless selfless and notable acts of love, my mom- Wanda Bartholomew- has changed and continues to change my perspective in this life to see more through the eyes of Christ every day.  Thank you, Mom, mentor, sister in faith, and friend!

When I think of genuine friendship, my train of thought always circles back to my grandmother, known in her later years as “Granny”.  I was the first grandchild and therefore very spoiled by her. But, looking back, it was not only her special love and attention toward me that formed who I am today; it was also the friendship that she modeled in her life.

As a young wife and mother of five, she and my grandfather traveled the southern Louisiana and Texas oil fields, moving from rig to rig. They struggled from day to day, living in any available, temporary rental property that they could find.  It was during this unsettled season of her life that Granny crossed paths with a woman by the name of, Catherine Feazell, and the two formed a God-appointed, covenant friendship that lasted for the rest of their lives.

Catherine, affectionately known by her friends and family as “Big Mama”, was also raising her family in the oil fields of Louisiana with her husband, A.J. or “Big Daddy”. They formed a lasting relationship; and at the time, I am sure neither could have realized how this relationship would affect generations to come.  Big Mama was a young, Catholic girl that had been born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit, and she stood in faith believing for the salvation of her husband.  Her prayers were answered, as her husband did accept Christ and was called into ministry.  Together, they went on to pastor a church on the west bank of New Orleans, and reached many lost souls as tent-ministry evangelists.

These are my earliest memories of church as a child: sitting in those several-hour-long church services, the smell of sawdust and mosquito spray, and falling asleep on Granny's lap.  As they followed the call of God on their lives, my Granny and Big Mama remained the greatest of friends.  And in accordance, their daughters also formed lifelong friendships. 

My mother, Doris, became very close friends with the Feazell sisters.  As young girls, raised in the same church, their memories span a lifetime. As we all do, the young girls became women. They all married and became the next generation of wives and mothers. The bond of friendship that these families shared remained strong throughout the seasons of life.

The friendship between my mother and one of the Feazell girls in particular, Jacqueline, would prove to be God-ordained as well.  When I was about sixteen years old, Riley, the son of my mother's best friend and the grandson of Granny's best friend, noticed that I had grown up right in front of him.  When he decided that he wanted to marry me, it came as a surprise to many - even me! 

Today, after many years of sharing memories, laughter, and tears, Granny and Big Mama now share grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Together, through their powerful and never-ceasing prayers, these two great women of faith have raised up a family that is impacting the world for the Kingdom of God in ways that our grandparents and parents always dreamed of.

Our children- Joshua, Paige, and Tiffany- through the ministry of Covenant Church, are reaching the world.  We received a report of people in Japan who were trapped by a deadly tsunami, singing a song of faith written by Joshua. This is only one example of the faithfulness of God in His promise to us - that our children would impact the nations.

I believe that when God places a mandate on a family, it takes more than one generation to fulfill that call.  When He joined together those two young, struggling mothers back in the early 1950's, I do not believe that it was only for the purpose of being best friends.  I fully believe that the Father used them, as He uses all of us as mothers, to raise up future generations of Godly men and women who have purposed in their hearts to fulfill the call on their lives. 

 My daughter is the first person that comes to mind as my best friend.  It has been such an amazing journey that we’ve been through to get to the place that we are at today.  It started off with this tiny person being put in my arms and suddenly becoming a mom. I was so young and scared, but she had no choice except to trust me completely.  She became my little constant companion, both rewarding and exhausting at the same time.  She has always been there through my mistakes, my tears (both happy and sad), my frustrations, and my little victories.  We have seen one another through many trials over the years.  

She’s helped me grow in so many ways.  I don’t know exactly what moment it was that we crossed over the parent line and became friends.  Maybe it happened when she was injured at 20? I had to wash her hair and help her bathe. I remember the tears in her eyes and me trying to help her maintain her dignity by making light of the moment and telling her how I had missed those days, and knowing in my heart that one day it would be me that she would have to bathe. Or, maybe it was when we painfully went through our divorces together, almost at the same time, never thinking it would happen to us?  Or when I was there during her pregnancy and we shared those “remember when” stories and compared experiences? You always love your child beyond measure, but somehow when they have their own children and you see them interacting, you have even more love than you ever imagined.   It could have been the endless hours spent together at the hospital when my granddaughter was sick, or the times that my son has been ill and we have shared our fears, that cultivated our strong friendship.  It also might have been the time that we both injured our backs within months of one another, and had to be each other’s guide into the ER and support to lean on, that transformed our relationship. 

It was such a defining moment for me, when a few weeks ago, one of us was having a bad time and the other one hung out the whole day just to be there.  I realized that hardly any words had been spoken that day, yet it was such a comfort to be together and know that no words were necessary.  As I reflect, I realize that it hasn’t been any of those things in particular that make her my best friend it is just that I truly like her; not because I’m her mom and love her,  but because she’s a strong, funny, intelligent, beautiful, courageous, and loving  woman and mother that I’m so proud to call my friend.

I wonder if my granddaughter has any clue yet what a wonderful best friend that she has waiting for her just around the corner.

She is one who…

For me, friends come and go like seasons. My life is ever-changing. It wasn’t until this year that I discovered my most valued friend and greatest ally to be right under my nose. I am a single mother of two beautiful children, Lily (3) and Calvin (2). I’m so focused on displaying strength that I don’t realize I am being held up by a stronger woman, one nestled into Christ. She is the one who covers my children and me in continuous prayer, and sacrifices freedoms in her life so that I can prepare a future of my own. She is the one who helps care for my children as I attend college, and who helps make sure that they are in church every week, experiencing the presence of God. She is the one who is strongly convicted by the belief that above all, supporting and loving your family IS God’s heart. She is the one who speaks life to accelerate the work of the Holy Spirit in all of the lives around her. She is my example- my sweet mother; a woman who treasures Christ.

She fought for me when I believed my life to be over. She stood by me when I was judged and ridiculed. She empowered me to rise again after major failures. Now, as I minister throughout the week at my church (Covenant Spokane), at Women’s shelters, and community events, I recognize that I have come as far as I have this quickly because of the supportive love of my mother. When I was spiritually feeble, she put a face to God and, by way of her actions, gently put me on the path to find Him and experience the love she knew that I needed.

 Friends will come and go, but I will never find a friend as great as she. All glory be to God!  There’s no doubt that her obedience to Christ helped set me free.

 “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Mommy is my Friendspiration

Throughout my life, God’s blessed me with some awesome, lifelong, love-you-through-thick- and-thin, tried and true friends.  For this, I’m very grateful.  But, one friend reigns supreme – my mother, Helen (aka Mommy). I’ve known her since the day that I was born, and since then, she’s NEVER failed me.

The last year and half has taken our bond to a level of closeness that words can’t articulate; but I’ll try.  Basically, 2012 was a tough year for me.  I was laid off from a job in a department that I loved and was left feeling betrayed, disappointed, and hurt. Shortly after that, I experienced, not one, but two, pulmonary embolisms.  Since most people don’t survive one, I figured that God still needed me here on earth since He had spared me twice.  After the second episode, my elderly mother came to care for me.  However, when she suffered a minor heart attack shortly after her arrival, we became roommates.  I became a full-time caregiver. 

So here I am, simultaneously living out the Book of Job and the Book of Ruth.  And yes, Mommy is perfectly cast as Naomi.  My being laid off after more than twenty years of earning an income and watching my savings diminish because the corporate world was interested in a younger, less experienced “model”, took a toll on my self-esteem even as a Believer.

When I bought my home, I purchased it with Mommy in mind, hoping she’d eventually move in with me so I could make her golden years, platinum.  That was my plan all along; God just delivered it in a slightly different package. What’s more, I’m a single woman who’s been patiently awaiting Boaz’s arrival for way too long. 

Some observers say that I’m an excellent caregiver by the way that I manage Mommy’s medicines, daily care, meals, and engage in conversation; but, she’s really my caregiver.  Many mornings, I’ve felt like a failure -useless and unnecessary- because my income stopped and job offers became nonexistent; too much failure and loneliness; too many unfulfilled dreams. But, serving Mommy each day and being her health care advocate, taps into every single management skill that I learned in my career. God moved Mommy into my home at the right time, when I needed her the most.

Sometimes, when I’m running to the store to pick up prescriptions or groceries, in classic “Naomi mode”, Mommy will say, “Aren’t you going to comb your hair a bit more or put on a little lipstick?  You never know who you might see.”  A few times, I’ve had to call 911 to have paramedics administer first aid.  On one of those occasions, my personal Naomi said, “Well, one thing’s for sure, when I become ill, at least five or six very handsome men can come into your home to see about me!

It is tough for me now at times, but with God and Mommy, I’ve got all that I need to get by.

My forever-friend and my Naomi - Mommy.

My best friend, other than my husband, is Sarah Reese.  I met Sarah 6 years ago when she was dating our Pastor’s son and visited our church. Since then, I have watched her transform from a party animal into a woman after God, a wife, and mother of her step daughter Hailey, her daughter Ava, and new son Adrian. 

Growing up, I really didn’t have a lot of friends. We moved a lot and I had a lot of responsibility on me that other girls my age just didn’t understand; which made it hard to create great bonds with friends.  She is the only girlfriend I have that is the same age as me. Most of my friends are about ten years older because I have always felt that older people understood me more. Sarah has been there through some hard times and great times, and I count her as a blessing and an inspiration in my life.   She has been there for me in so many ways; whether just being an ear to listen, or giving me advice, or even helping plan and execute a fabulous thirtieth birthday surprise party for me (at my own house). She has been a source of inspiration in the way that she keeps her home, giving me hope that it is possible to have a decently clean house with 3 children running the roost. She is more than my friend, she is, Aunt Sarah, to my kids and I’m, Aunt Katie, to hers. They love her just as much as I do. Sometimes, it’s the times that we get our families together and just cook out and be together, that we realize that we are more than friends, but rather, family.  I would love to win this shopping spree for me and my bestie to have a day out- no kids, no husbands- just girl time, which is hard to find when we both have families of five.  I just love her so much. She is my sister and my best friend.

Where would life have taken me had the Lord not orchestrated a divine heart connection with my very special sister and friend, BJ Prior, over 34 years ago? Our hearts were bonded and our Ruth and Naomi journey began, from California to Colorado, and then to Texas. 

   I was living the “fast life” in California when the Holy Spirit drew me to a church with beautiful stained glass windows. I found myself at a singles meeting where BJ and her husband were leaders.  The love I felt there drew me back again and again, and my “fast life” was losing its appeal.  I grew to know more and more of the Lord through BJ's strong faith and love for God.  We have weathered many ups and downs and storms of life together, but the Lord has always sustained us.  As a single woman, there are times of loneliness and discouragement; but God has used BJ not only as my sweet friend and sister, but as a counselor, teacher, nurse, and mentor all rolled into one blessing for me.  I am so thankful for her love and deep walk with the Lord. She is and continues to be a light for me and everyone that crosses her path. Thank you, Lord, for knitting our hearts together. I am honored and blessed to have her in my life.

Thank you, BJ. I love you, girl!                  

Linda Lou (still on the journey)             

Not everyone has a “built-in” best friend; but I happen to be one of the lucky ones that do. I’ve had this best friend since before I could walk and before I could even open my eyes; we’ve grown up together. We laugh together, cry together, and most of all, we love each other. 

That’s why I chose to write this about my older sister, Lexi, who is more than just a sibling - she’s my best friend and closest pal. An older sister is like a friend you can’t get rid of. I know that no matter what I do, she will always be there. She’s the ultimate definition of what a best friend should be like and I’m so thankful that I get to have her as my sister. My sister inspires me to be a beautiful woman of virtue. She encourages me in my walk with Christ and I can always be myself around her. She loves me even on my worst days. We tell each other our deepest secrets, and some nights we sneak into each other’s rooms to talk or watch silly videos and just so we get to hear each other laugh. We have made so many memories together- from playing dress up and putting on performances at home when we were just tots, to teasing each other about who is taller or who will get married first. Also, it’s fun to have a sister that’s the same size as you because you get to share clothes! Having Lexi as a sister is sometimes, like having your own personal stylist when you need it. We enjoy going shopping with each other and trying on clothes at the mall. I guess we never outgrew dressing up after all. I learn a lot from my sister. She pushes me to be the best that I can be and encourages me to never give up. She really is that friend who has been with me through thick and thin and that will sit beside me, guide me, and wipe my tears. Even though we sometimes fight and get mad at each other, Underneath it all is a friendship that’s unbreakable. I don’t always take the time to tell my sister that I love and appreciate her, though she deserves it. I’m thankful for the gift of friendship in my sister who has cared for me relentlessly. She is a beautiful and talented person who is blazing a great trail for me and anyone who would follow. She inspires those who know her – me most of all.

Sissy, I love you to the moon and back.

When I think of friendspiration, I think of Cynthia Diggs.  We met at the invitation of another friend at Gospel Sunday Brunch at the House of Blues in the fall of 2010.  I went to hear local talent share their songs and to have a little girl time.  Her daughter was performing that afternoon and it was a great introduction to the beginning of a new relationship.

We connected instantly.  She had a familiarity that I could not shake.  I had seen her at church and we had mutual friends; but her familiarity became even more apparent after a visit to my parents’ house.  They had several photos of her and her family around the house.  Once I asked my parents about their relationship to Cynthia, I realized that she and her late husband Nick had been close to my parents; and even after his death.

Just as normal friendships would develop, we became acquaintances first.  As 2010 was closing, we both were invited to several events where we began sharing our life experiences and discussing how we had a connection through my parents.  Our friendship was solidified in March of 2011. She took a brave step and left everything that she had known to fulfill a dream and complete her education as a fulltime student in a three year program.  Her step of faith as a single parent encouraged me to stand and to walk with her on this journey.

Since then, our friendship has grown well beyond best friends.  We are truly sisters.  We have walked through broken hearts, job loss, dating ups and downs, financial problems, wedding planning, and the first year of marriage; and not to mention, everyday life.  We both have experienced tears of joy and tears of pain, followed by lots of laughter and fun adventures along the way. Cynthia has always been my constant.  Although we both have biological sisters that we love very much, our sisterhood is a special one.  When you can be thankful for the honesty that can pierce without offense, you know iron is sharpening iron. 

When I look back, I am thankful to the Father on how He put us together.  In one season of Cynthia’s life, He had my parents be mentors, confidantes to Cynthia and Nick.  In this season, He united us as sisters to walk together in this life’s journey.  

Upon reading about the friendship contest, there wasn’t a question as to whom I would nominate- my best friends, Jamie and Amanda. I knew that the nomination was for a friend (singular), but I couldn’t separate these two ladies, nor choose which one was a better friend.

It all started 8 years ago on our first day of beauty school. I was sitting one table in front of them. I’ll never forget turning around and introducing myself. I was a nervous wreck, but wanted to be brave and say hello. I never would have guessed then, how much these two women would mean to me now. I even remember emailing my mother (I believe she still has the email) and saying, “Hey mom, I met these two really great girls in beauty school and I think I’m going to like them and hopefully become friends with them.” I was so excited! I was new to the area, just moving here from Ohio, and knew very few people. God truly has bestowed upon us, the blessing of friendship. We are all one, and no one girl is liked or favored over another. We have all, at separate times, lived together and helped each other out when needed. Our friendship has grown into a love for one another that is priceless; one that is cherished. We have laughed together, cried together, and a few times fought together. Just like in every healthy relationship, we have grown through it all.

Now, 8 years later, we have flourished into beautiful, Godly women, whom, although are on different levels in the faith, all believe and trust in the One whom is love, Jesus.  We lift one another up by sending texts of encouragement or giving little gifts of joy. Jamie and Amanda are successful business owners and always encourage me to take my business to the next level.  With all three of us being hairdressers, we have many fun girl nights at the salon trying the new trends. Traveling, shopping, eating, and having a glass of wine are just a few of the many things we enjoy doing together. Through our ups and downs that we face, whether heartaches, death, life, hurts, joys, or sorrows, we are there for one another no matter what. When you truly put one’s feelings above yours, the relationship is destined to last. Unconditional love, the love that God teaches us to have, is what we have. I heard a quote recently that said, “If a friendship lasts longer than 7 years, psychologists say that it will last a lifetime.” This relationship that we have will last a lifetime because God’s hand is in it and over it. We are all very blessed to have one another and we all feel the same way. We have often said that we are each other’s soul mates. No man can replace the love, bond, and friendship between women. I know that this flourish nomination was to be for one special lady, but my main goal in entering was to honor two- Jamie and Amanda, and to thank them for being such amazing and inspiring women to me. I know these two ladies so well that if we did win, we would split the winnings three ways. We share clothes, tears, and laughter, so why not a shopping spree? I hope that my story has blessed you and I hope that you are as lucky as I to have people as special as these two in your life.

I love my true friends unconditionally and without ulterior motives. They are always there for me!  Friends come and go, but a true friend lasts a lifetime.  So, grab café mocha and feel free to be inspired as I share my story with you. We will take a closer look at my sweet friend Mari, and how our wonderful friendship was birthed!

 As someone who has witnessed the grace of God time and time again, I know all too well that we have only but a moment to live our lives to the fullest.  Having been saved from a near fatal car accident and yet another one of lesser impact, and suffering two concussions, a chest contusion, and neck and back sprains, I know that life is precious.  As praise dancer, having full range of motion and a healthy body is essential in attaining a successful dance career.  So, you can imagine how devastated I was following my injuries; and I even started to believe that I would never be able to dance again or enjoy the things that I loved to do.  Gradually, I began to pull away from social activities, as I tired easily. 

 After many months in recovery, I slowly began to get involved again in the various activities that I so loved, which included my small group outings.  During a small group session, I met a young lady by the name of Mari.  As we chatted, she began to tell me how she, too, experienced the side effects of a concussion and was recovering as well.  Naturally, we bonded as we talked about our injuries, but also discovered that we shared common interests.

 After inviting her to one of my ministry dance rehearsals, a true friendship was born.  As we began to hang out more, I then realized how much she reminded me of a younger version of myself. Mari is lively, fun, inspiring, and adventurous.  Now, I have to admit that the latter is something that I have not always been able to embrace entirely.  I truly admire Mari for having such a spunky personality.  She knows that what matters most in life are healthy relationships, not materialistic things that advertisements convince us that we must have.  I believe that as we get older, we get caught up in our day-to-day routines and forget to live life on purpose, enjoying the little things that we often take for granted. Whether discussing work, life, hair and makeup, fashion, healthy living, or relationships, we inspire each other to live out loud!

 A true friend will encourage you to be the best YOU that you can be.  A true friend accepts you at face value, flaws and all.  From being at my bedside when I was in the hospital after a car accident, to enjoying live jazz music in the park, to sharing natural hair care tips, Mari embodies all of the qualities that you would want a friend to have! 

 I hope that my story and my friend Mari have inspired you as much as they have me- to be fearless, fun, and free!

As soon as I saw this opportunity in my email, I knew that I would have to honor my very best friend - Monique Arredondo. She became one of my first friends after getting saved. She has been there for me spiritually, physically, and emotionally to encourage and empower me to be the woman I am today.

She didn't have it easy growing up; she struggled and fought for who she has become. She glows with the Glory of God from the inside out. She is one of those people who possess so much beauty that you just can't help but love her. Her smile radiates from within and is continually on her face.

This woman has been there at my lowest of lows, just listening to me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. She was there to stand next to me as I married the love of my life. We've fasted together, prayed together, traveled, worshiped, gone to concerts, gone running together, attended conferences, cried (a lot), and laughed (even more). We even got to experience being drunk on the wine of the spirit and hit the ground crying because we were laughing so hard; so many memories engraved on my heart that I will never forget. She stood by my side when my entire family rejected me and wanted nothing to do with me. She never stopped praying for reconciliation for me and my family, even when I was too weak to pray. This was probably the most difficult time of my life- being rejected by not only my immediate family, but my extended family also. Even though she had a full time job and was doing an internship program at the church, she made time to be there for me when I couldn't hold my head up. We had Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 prophetically spoken over us, and she is one of those women who isn't just a friend, but who is a sister. We have had our differences as most relationships do, but she's family and I will always be there for her no matter what; and I know that she would do the same. When I didn't have a car, she was there for me, and vice versa. I am beyond proud of all of the things that she's accomplished. She has definitely made me understand what the phrase “iron sharpening iron” means. I love her to pieces. God really showed up big time by placing her in my life just when I needed new friends and relationships after getting saved.

I am so thankful that I get to tell her and praise her while she is still here fighting for the Kingdom to come with me.

Love you Mo!! XO

Do you ever just feel let down by people? I'm pretty sure your answer along with mine is, yes. You expect something and they don't deliver.

I used to feel this a lot more but then my sister gave me a great analogy:

People are like shoes.  You have different shoes for different needs. One person isn't going to be able to be everything you need.

My tennis shoes aren't a good choice for a classy restaurant and my heels probably wouldn't be good for working out.  It's doable, but not recommended.  Why? I could get hurt that way.

When I look to a particular person for something that he or she just can't deliver, I'm setting myself up to get hurt.  It isn't even that they don't want to (which maybe they don't)....sometimes it's that they really can't.  

If you know my sister (the same sister who gave the shoe analogy and actually my only sister), you know that she is willing to help people in need, whether it’s a meal, a visit, a place to stay - she does it all.  Well, almost all.  Don't ask her to help you organize or pack.   It's just not her thing.  She will watch your kids while you do those things but will steer clear of the boxes and packing tape.

It's not that she doesn't want to help - she does!  But, just not in that way.  Myself on the other hand, I'm happy to help you organize or pack, but please don't ask me to watch your kids - it stresses me out.  I know that sounds crazy considering I was a NICU nurse but I put a lot of pressure on myself to be completely entertaining during the entire babysitting experience.  So, it is mentally and physically exhausting for me (I love all of your children though, promise!).

My husband doesn't like to shop so I am thankful to have a friend that will join me when the shopping bug hits.  I don't usually like to watch movies, so my husband uses that time to hang out with some of his guy friends.

If we want people to understand us and why we don't do certain things, then we need to do the same for them. (I'm not saying that we shouldn't oblige our family and friends every now and then, because at times my husband does come shopping with me and then usually ends up buying more stuff than me.)

I struggled with this even recently and I had to walk through the entire "people are like shoes" process. Maybe you could try it on for size and see if it fits your situation. (Pun intended and put in bold text just in case you didn't catch it.)

Anitha Abraham has been a member of Covenant Church since 1998.  She received her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing and currently works at UT Southwestern as a nurse supervisor.  She serves in various areas of ministry including leading a monthly women’s Bible study and serving alongside her husband, Lance, as leaders in Re-Engage.  Born and raised in Texas, she is a Cowboys and Mavericks fan, coffee enthusiast, and Mexican food consumer.  You can read more of her articles on her blog mythoughtsifyouwanttoreadthem.wordpress.com.

Kayli Rose deMelo has been one of my preeminent friends. There are so many different stories I could tell, memories I still chortle about, and times I wish I could watch on replay. She’s been one of the closest friends I’ve had from 2007 until today. Kayli has been a role model, a resource, and a revolutionary girl. I have so many things I could tell you and talk about regarding her.  I could write about the time we decorated at Covenant Church Texoma and danced around to Christmas music; or maybe that play we did that I goofed on stage. Thank goodness she could recollect my lines! I could describe to you the hilarious hairspray accident movie we made. But, I have a better one that shuffled our friendship and forced us to cope in order to forge ahead and grow as friends. Well, Covenant Church Texoma closed and Kayli moved to Carrollton to attend Covenant there. Being an hour or more away, things would, without a doubt, have to change. I didn’t get to see her every week or get to easily arrange times to hang out. Thank goodness for my iPhone, though; we could text! Even though it has been months since I’ve seen her last, no distance or time will keep me from valuing, pursuing, and flourishing in our friendship! I want to thank you, Kayli, for being such a tried-and-true and authentic friend! You have truly convinced me that you will always be there, even if roads and miles are between us.

It is such an honor and I count it all joy to write about my best friend, Lisa.  Lisa and I have been best friends for 25 years or more.  Lisa encourages me and lifts my spirit every day.   She makes me laugh until either tears overtake my face or pee seeps my pants.  She does not judge me when I am less than perfect.   Even when I walked into Jack in the Box, looked at the menu, and asked the attendant why the Fish Basket was no longer on the menu. Well, I inadvertently misjudged the parking lot because I went into Jack-in-the box instead of Golden Chick. I immediately called Lisa for support.  She supported me much in the same way I supported her when she paid for gasoline and drove off without pumping it.  It’s ok!  Lisa restores my faith when I am bothered or consumed with the cares of this world. I have had twenty-five years of greatness with Lisa and I pray that our health does not fail us, our memory outlasts us, and our spirit surpasses us.

I met my friend under rather unusual circumstances.  God arranged for us to meet in Israel even though we both live in the United States.   The Lord clearly instructed each of us to travel by ourselves with a well-known ministry taking a tour of Israel.  Neither of us had ever traveled out of the country alone, but we obeyed the instruction of the Lord without realizing what wonderful things He had in store for us.

God had already provided the money for me to go, but for my friend it was a stretch of faith.   She’s a single mom who works a great deal of overtime to make ends meet. The money literally came as a check in the mail for her that arrived on the very last day payment could be made for the trip.  He even arranged for her to have paid time off which never happens in her line of work.  Needless to say, God had created a divine appointment for us to meet.

We both boarded a plane bound for Israel without knowing a single soul in the tour group.  After landing, I went to the luggage area in Tel Aviv wondering who I could sit by on my tour bus since there were over 100 people on 3 different buses.  I noticed a lady at the baggage carousel that I had spoken to very briefly while waiting in the airport terminal in the states.  We discovered that we had been assigned to travel on the same tour bus.

She sat down beside me and started talking as if we had known each other all of our lives.   We spent the remainder of the tour together enjoying ourselves as if we had been friends forever.  Many people came up to us and asked how long we had known each other.  Everyone on the tour just assumed we came together.  We hit it off so well and laughed so much that people truly couldn’t believe we had just met.  What would have been a quiet adventure with a large group of strangers, turned into the trip of a lifetime because I met Tracey.

Since meeting in Israel, our friendship has continued to unfold like a beautiful butterfly discovering his wings as he emerges from the chrysalis.  As a prayer partner and confidant she has inspired me in ways that would take pages to describe.  We can talk about the Lord for hours and it seems as if it has only been minutes.  She can make me laugh until my jaw aches and always has the perfect word of encouragement when I need it most.  God gave me the gift of a beautiful friendship in Israel and I’m grateful to Him for an opportunity to tell others about my dear friend, Tracey.  There’s just nothing like a divinely connected friendship!

I walked away from Flourish last year with one agenda- find something to invest in and stop burning friendships with all of your problems. The challenge came when Me Ra Koh spoke on the value of having a "coach" in your life, someone that you pay for. That's when Christina Valetutto became my personal nutritionist. 

We had been friends since 1996, and honestly I had never known what she did for a living. It was Pastor Natalie Choate who urged me to contact her. 

October 2012 was the beginning of one of the best decisions I'd ever made concerning my health. Here was a friend who had the knowledge that I lacked and here I was looking for something or someone to invest in to help me reach my goals. It was a win-win scenario. 

Free advice is so easy to find, especially with the Internet. And while it is her "job" to keep me on track by reaching out to me and motivating me, I have put a value not only on my health but on her wisdom. 

It has been a year now, I'm halfway to my goal, but honestly can't find a reason why I wouldn't want to maintain that accountability. I'm afraid she's stuck with me as a client....and a friend!

LIFE-SAVING BOND

I've always been told that friends are the family that you get to choose. Even though I don’t have sisters of my own, I've been blessed to call my best friend, Alyssa Ransom, a sister.  Alyssa is one of those rare people who just happens to be exactly who they say they are. She is probably one of the most genuinely selfless, appreciative and authentic people I've ever met.  I know for a fact that our friendship is a blessing, as we are there for each other day or night. Alyssa and I became friends while in college, both of us bright eyed, idealistic Political Science majors.  We instantly bonded over how much we had in common. Both of us were from Dallas, aspiring lawyers, and had an affinity for all things musical.  Soon, we were attached at the hip and began a friendship that has taken us through life’s trials and tribulations. Alyssa and I have a special bond in the fact that we have lost almost 300 lbs. between the both of us. We both gained a great deal of weight while in college and had become morbidly obese. After graduating in 2010, I decided to look into weight loss surgery. While almost everyone else I was close to doubted my decision and tried to talk me out of my choice, Alyssa took another route. Even though she was concerned about the risk of my decision, she supported me in both word and deed. Unfortunately, I had complications with my surgery which caused me to be hospitalized multiple times. Alyssa was there for me each and every step of the way; even down to making sure I followed the doctor’s orders and helping me navigate my changing lifestyle. To say I am blessed that she was there for me is an understatement. In 2012, I had the pleasure of supporting her through her own weight loss surgery journey. In hindsight, I can honestly say that the only thing that feels better than changing your life and adopting a healthier life style is seeing your best friend do the same. Also In 2012, while we were roommates, we began attending Covenant Church, which has been exponentially amazing for each of us. Since beginning our membership, God has ushered us through a season of personal growth to make us the women that He has called us to be. I find great joy in knowing that as I grow in knowing that as Alyssa and I navigate the purpose that God has placed before us, we continue to have each other as an example of Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

LIFE-SAVING BOND

There is a reason Eboney Jones is my best friend. It was meant to be from the beginning. Not only are we best friends, but we're sisters. Little did I know that one day, this woman would help save my life, and I would help save her’s. Eboney and I both had weight loss surgery. She is almost 3 years post-op, and I am 1 ½ years post-op. Eboney had her surgery and everything went well for a few months until she couldn't keep any food down. She threw up all the time and had to leave work for a few months. It was one of the worst experiences of her life. Her hair fell out, she had to get fed food through an IV, and she was stuck in the house. I made it my mission to make sure I was with her every weekend. One day, she passed out from exhaustion. I was so scared I called the ambulance and we rushed her to the hospital. She was so upset with me, but that one call helped diagnose her and saved her life because she was dehydrated and had no nourishment in her body. She ended up recovering after months of being in and out of the hospital and multiple tests to make sure she was ok. After that, I had my surgery and I thought I was prepared. Well, in the hospital, Eboney made me get up and walk everyday based on the doctor’s orders. I hated every minute and complained because my nurses never told me I had to walk. A few weeks later, Eboney told me that another lady had my exact same surgery, the exact day by the same doctor, in the same hospital, and didn't walk at all. She died in the hospital due to blood clots. I knew that all of Eboney's fussing saved my life. Today, we have lost almost 300 pounds between the both of us. We have a church home in Covenant, and we have an unshakeable bond that has helped strengthen our almost 10 year relationship. God definitely put us together for the benefit of each other as we navigate down this road, and for that, I pray and thank him every day for my dearest sister, Eboney Jones.

One of the things that I loved about my home when I first moved in over ten years ago and even today are the rose bushes in my currently less-than-manicured landscape (I’m seeking for a full-time gardener you know…the kind who is looking for a beautiful single woman with whom to settle down).  Watching those little flower buds appear, and soon afterwards the unfolding petals of a full blown rose, is always amazing.  What beauty, what fragrance.  Today, as I think about the process of watching those buds give way and produce a full, rich expression of God’s beauty, it makes me think about the “Birthing Buddies” in my own garden of life.  They are the many women who have produced the great aroma of kindness, love, encouragement, support, and more.  I want to share the friendspiration of one of the flowers God graciously picked for my bouquet.  I call her my “orange rose”, as she loves every hue of the color!  I always know what she’ll be wearing when we meet for tea or a bite to eat, as her orange passion adorns her home and her wardrobe.  That’s my friend Stephanie; and her friendspiration has left an indelible fragrance upon my life.  She is very much the sister I would like to have had.  We spend countless hours in “dream chat” and I’m always inspired to dream bigger.  When I was writing my first book, Stephanie (a mom of six month old twins at the time) dedicated one day a week to hold me accountable to not only writing my book, but birthing and bringing it into fruition.  She would take time out of her busy schedule to meet with me all day and to encourage me in the process.  We called it our creative time and would spend countless hours writing and collaborating on our books’ progress.  What sacrifice and sincere commitment in helping me, another woman, find, flourish, and soar in things that God has called me to.  It is really quite ironic, as it took exactly nine months to write, publish, and release my first book, A Pocketful of Possibilities: Impossible Dreams, Made Possible.  God has a sense of humor.  He showed me I was giving birth and the midwife, throughout the entire process, was none other than my friend, Stephanie LeBeauf.  She made me push, then push again and go deeper to bring to life the dream God placed in my heart.  I’ve grown and I’m still growing.  But isn’t that what roses are supposed to do?  In this and my other budding relationships, I’m always encouraged and sometimes feel that maybe I’m being pruned.  Either way, I realize that I’m always being positioned to FLOURISH!

I always say that everything can be used for good or for evil, and that’s the same with Facebook. For me, Facebook has been a positive experience because it has reconnected me with my dear friend from high school, Maria, after 15 years of no contact. Since then she has become my dearest friend even though she lives in a different country- the UK. I was telling her the other day that sometimes distance doesn’t matter because I feel her support each day from afar as we chat and share our stories about parenting, family, and books, and so on.  Even though I don’t see her, God is showing me that for a relationship to be greatly valuable, you don’t have to be in the same place. 

Maria is so encouraging to me in everything I do. I can tell you a hundred ways she has been an amazing support to me, just by being there, listening to the ups and downs of life, and giving true encouragement in my writing and my business. I could write a whole book on her friendship, but I would like to share one story in particular. 

A couple years ago, my sister experienced a traumatic late miscarriage and for her second pregnancy she had to be on bed rest. After she delivered a healthy beautiful boy, she was so weak that she was fainting, a scary thought while she was holding the baby. My desire was to go and visit her from Michigan, but at that time finances were hard and I could not afford a ticket to fly to Texas. So, I put the thought out of my mind.  I didn’t even tell my friend Maria about our finances. But, I remember I had a break from work at that time and she insisted that she buy me a ticket to go and support my sister. I really didn’t want her to worry about my situation and my sister’s health, because at the time she had a newborn and a two year old of her own. I remember she would be on the phone and on the computer looking for tickets while she nursed her child, staying late at night on travel sites to get me a ticket that I had not even asked for. 

 I was so touched by her love for me and for my sister, really unable to fathom that someone can be so selfless and so understanding of the situation without being told. I was able to go and be with my sister during that critical time, and soon after she had her son. I got to take care of her and her son and see my nephew as a newborn, which also increased my bond with him.  To this day I am amazed at Maria’s love, which goes beyond love for me, but also for those that I love. I thank God for my friend and even though this is just one story, I could tell many more. I pray that I am as much a blessing to her as she is to me. 

www.miriamshumba.com

God always provides just what we need when the time comes.  That includes those people that He brings into our lives.  

I met my friend Kay in 2004.  Our meeting was quite a remarkable story in itself.  You see, I was diagnosed in 2004 with PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) after a serious battle with pneumonia.  This rare condition constricts the vessels in the lungs, making it difficult for the heart to pump oxygen through.  After three weeks in the hospital, I went home. Two of my sisters flew in from Charlotte, NC to assist me. One of them mentioned that a good friend and co-worker of hers had a sister here in Dallas. Of course, they felt we should meet.  A few months later, we met over the phone.

From the beginning, Kay and I had an instant connection.  After our first conversation, we were surprised to find that we lived within five minutes of each other in Carrollton, so we decided to set up an in-person meeting. Kay asked if the doctors had given me the okay to start walking. I said yes, so she suggested we meet at the local recreation center and she would walk with me. Her home was near enough for her to walk over there, so I stood outside of the recreation center and waited until I saw this cute blond-haired woman walking towards me with a big smile. She had a wonderfully welcoming personality!  Since that day, we’ve been close friends. Kay and her husband Ray are like family to me.  

In my mind, she has gone far beyond what I could have asked for in a friend.  For months after I was diagnosed, I had to go back to the Heart and Lung Center at UTSW (UT Southwest Medical Center) every month for checkups or testing.  That was a bit of a drive from Carrollton, and I never looked forward to it.  Since Kay was a Dental Hygienist in an office that closes on Fridays, she always insisted that I try to make the appointments then so that I wouldn’t have to go alone.  I really cannot express how much that meant to me because I’d always been very independent and used to doing things for myself. It made a huge difference to have someone there.  Since some appointments were long ones, due to series of testing, back-to-back appointments, or outpatient procedures, I just didn’t want to take up her time. Still, she’d drive me there and sit in the waiting room with a book or watch TV until I was finished.  Her patience amazed me. On our way out of the building, she would say, “Ok, I know you’ve got to be tired and hungry, so where do we go for lunch?” 

Now, we exchange gifts at holidays, and Kay and I regularly talk on the phone. Before hanging up she always says “We love ya.”  I love them, too.  It’s my belief that sometimes God puts angels in our lives disguised as friends.   

She started out as a stranger to me and became my mentor over 15 years ago. But the lines began to blur somewhere along the way because today she is one of my dearest friends.

She has served me as a Mentor, Sister, Confidant, Prayer Partner, Traveling Companion, Retreat Roomie, Godmother and Babysitter.

Her name is RUBY and, like the gemstone she is named for, she is a rare find (friend). She is more precious than any jewel.

On the surface we seem an unlikely pair. But even amidst all of our differences, when it comes down to it, we’re exactly the same. She loves the Lord and so do I. Although that sounds like a little, it means a lot! Ours is a spiritual connection rooted in love, acceptance, trust and respect. She has journeyed with me through healing, birthdays, my engagement, my wedding, a miscarriage and the birth of my sons.

RUBY is a model of a Godly woman and she is a lover of God’s Word. No matter what, she continuously points me to God. We have sat through long conversations, broken bread together and cried on each other’s shoulders. She was a caregiver to me when I was pregnant with my twins – a vulnerable time for me. As those two little babies grew in my belly…

She held my hair back as I threw up

She put lotion my feet that I could not touch

She spent the night when my husband was out of town

She chauffeured me when I could not get around

She makes friendship so satisfying and easy.

RUBY’s not just a friend; she’s a part of my family.

But see, I was not her first. I’ve seen her be a caregiver to her mom and dad, giving them a greater quality of life in their last years. But they were not her first. They saw her be caregiver to another. RUBY has a long history of caring for others. Caregiving is her gift of grace.

I hope I’ve been as much of a friend to her as she has been to me. I wish I could buy her a house or send her on a trip around the world, but I’ll settle for giving her the entire $500 prize. Why? She is priceless to me and my family.

There’s a saying that goes, “Some people come into your life for a reason, for a season or for a lifetime.” With RUBY I’m blessed to have had her for all three!

Beauty for Ashes

Friends love through all kinds of weather,
    and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
Proverbs 17:17

I was raised as the only girl wedged in between three brothers. We lived just far enough away that they were my primary playmates. Oh, how I longed for a sister to be a girl with!

By the time I got to college, I was a mess. I didn't know how to love or how to be a friend. Yet, there she was in her blonde and brilliant glory! She was the first girl to truly know me, even better than I did myself. I loved her as well as I knew how, but being so broken, our friendship was far from healthy.

As these stories too often go, I got married, moved, and we lost touch.

I finally met Jesus fifteen years later. As he held my hand and walked me through the process of dismantling everything I knew and rebuilding me from the ground up, he showed me what true love and friendship look like. The stories I could write about His friendship would fill novels! But this story doesn't end there.

I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires,
    construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels,
    and all your walls with precious stones.
Isaiah 54:11-12

As the walls of my life were being rebuilt and healthy relationships were being established all around me, my heart grew heavy to think of the precious gift of friendship I had so casually tossed out, of the beautiful girl who I never quite felt secure enough to know as well as she knew me. I became more aware of His desire for forgiveness between us. Even (gasp!) for reconciliation.

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust...
Joel 2:25

One of the hardest things I've ever had to do was reach out to this woman of God. See, we had allowed just about every kind of locust to destroy us. She knew me at my worst, and it was truly awful. That was who she knew, but I was coming to her as a new person, redeemed and free. Navigating those first few months was painfully difficult. We finally agreed to pretend like we had just met, while remembering where I came from. That is what makes our story so amazing.

What a beautiful friendship He has birthed in us! It is now founded and grounded on a miracle. He restored to us the friendship He intended from the beginning, replaced our ashes with beauty. She is my treasured friend, my mentor, and now, praise God, my sister. 

God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
    give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes.
They’ll rebuild the old ruins,
    take the rubble left behind and make it new.
Isaiah 61:1-4 

We steal away lunch together during a busy work week just to have some “girl time.” We meet for coffee late at night after the kids are in bed and our husbands let us loose. We plan a girls’ night out because we just have to have it, a chance to get away and laugh a little, be encouraged and have some fun. And we are always better for it–it’s friendspiration!

Friends – Where would we be without them? – They inspire us, give us joy, share our pain, laugh with us, cry with us, and even keep us in cute outfits! They know us through and through and yet they love us. They are there through our losses and they don’t need to say a word. They are there in our celebrations and are truly excited for us. Our friendships are filled with memories, conversations and times spent together.

President Abraham Lincoln once said, “I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down...” 

Oh, what a joy for women to have relationships that encourage us, build us up, and help us become so much more than we could ever become on our own!

At Flourish, we believe in the power of friendships. When women connect, they just make a difference. Whether it’s Naomi & Ruth, Elizabeth & Mary, Lucy & Ethel or Laverne & Shirley, we know the power of deep female connections in our lives.

We want to highlight Friendships on FLOURISH online. And we want to hear from you!

How has a friend inspired, helped, encouraged or impacted you? Is there a special friend you want to honor? You probably have wanted to find a unique way to thank or treasure a friend, sister or mother and now is your chance!

We are looking for heart-warming stories that are well written and can be used in the “Friendspiration Section” of our Flourish Online Magazine blog. The “Friendspiration section” is all about how a woman elevated your approach or perspective for living. For the writers who haven't had an outlet, to the creative types and the counselors overflowing with wisdom…we need all the gifts to be brought to the table. Flourish, can and should be a feast of inspiration!

In 500 words or less, please share with us about your special friendship. Your story can be about anything! Maybe a friend took you shopping, or gave you a helpful tip, or maybe they are just an amazing lady you want to honor. The winner gets a $500 shopping spree for you and your friend to share – just in time for Christmas! (A $250 gift card for each of you.)

So, don’t be shy! Now is the time to shout it from the rooftops! Put your writing skills to work! Why do you love your friend? Please send us your submissions, along with a picture of you and your friend, to [email protected] by October 31. Your entry may be the most friendspirational of all!