Life often presents us with overwhelming challenges, leaving us feeling isolated and burdened. Yet, in these moments, we have the opportunity to embrace vulnerability and seek support from trusted friends. I had a day like this recently. Many things were weighting on my heart and mind. I felt so overwhelmed! Things about motherhood, marriage, life in general – a multitude of things.

I’m sure you’ve had a day like this. Instead of succumbing to despair, I decided I wanted to use my head instead of following my heart. I reached out to my husband during his lunch break, longing for understanding and a lift in my spirits. However, as the conversation unfolded, I realized that he couldn’t fully grasp my emotions. He tried hard to understand where I was coming from, but he couldn’t understand why I felt the way I did and how to encourage me. I felt frustrated, but I was upset and did need to talk to someone.

I decided to muster up some courage and turn to a few of my closest friends. It took a lot of vulnerability and some effort, but I knew that opening up and sharing my struggles would be the first step towards finding comfort and encouragement. I also knew that I could depend on these friends to tell me the truth and set me straight if I was just being dramatic. So, I texted an SOS to three close friends explaining my situation. My friends listened wholeheartedly, offering unwavering support, empathy, and understanding without an ounce of judgment. Their genuine care and godly advice was so refreshing. They shared their own experiences, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I felt heard, loved and encouraged to re-focus my eyes on the Lord. Because of this, I realized the strength and power of godly friendships.

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Whatever earthly struggles we have are meant to bring us closer to Him. I truly believe that the Lord wants us to have friends exactly for this reason! Not only to encourage us, but for us to encourage too, as well as bear one another’s burdens. We’re meant to invest in peoples lives. This is a big reason why the church exists! What happened was exactly what I hoped and I felt so encouraged by it! My friends were understanding, gave godly advice, and a gentle kick to get back up.

Proverbs 27:9 says “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

In sharing this, it is important to emphasize that I don’t undermine the significance of a spouse’s support. It’s not that husbands can’t help, but its unkind to put expectations on them of fulfilling and helping you in a way a godly girl friend can. Men and women are different and sometimes we forget that we have specific strengths and weaknesses. Through this, I came to appreciate the godly friendships I have with other women. Friendships like these are vital!

When life presents us with its trials, we must remember the profound strength we gain from reaching out and cultivating godly friendships. Sharing our burdens with trusted friends grants us solace, renewed perspectives, unwavering encouragement, and at times what we need, tough love. While our spouses undoubtedly play a crucial role in our lives, the connections we forge with godly women can provide us with wonderful support. Together, we can find comfort, grow spiritually, and navigate life’s challenges with renewed hope and resilience.

There is so much power in simply reaching out. There’s no need to feel alone, isolated or just do it all by yourself. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of vulnerability and effort for a friendship to flourish. Who can you reach out to today?

Thanks for reading! I hope you found it encouraging.

Until next time ❤️