Faith.

I began writing my usual, light-hearted Friday post at the beginning of the week. I deleted it. Because then Wednesday happened. Wednesday, one of our good friends was in a terrible car accident. 

The world pretty much stops when that news comes in. I won't go into the details any more than to say that your prayers for my good friend, and his family, and so greatly appreciated. Please pray for healing for this husband and father. Also, please pray that the Lord will wrap his loving arms around his wife, my dear friend, as she supports her husband, and their child, during this unimaginable time. 

I also need to say this: This entire situation has strengthened my faith in ways I cannot begin (but will try!) to describe. On Monday, I sat next to this particular friend during our LifeGroup session, while surrounded by the rest of the amazing couples who make up our group, and I felt a sense of peace. We, as a group, are walking through life together: we support each other while learning how to grow as spouses, parents, and faithful servants. We lean on each other while growing together. We listen to each other, offer advice, pray for one another, and support each other. These relationships, these dear friends, are invaluable to me. 

You can imagine, then, the text messages that were firing the moment we learned that one of us was down. Almost immediately, from our group, there was already support at the hospital, fervent prayers, offers to help care for their son, contact made with our (large) church's pastor, and plans being made to help in any and every way imaginable. 

This is why I am a Christian. This is why we became members of our church. This is why we joined a LifeGroup: In the depths of this terribly, scary, horrific situation, I felt Jesus there, with us, walking alongside us, the entire time. He hears our prayers. He gives us what we need, when we need it, even when we don't know we need it. He puts people in our lives when we need them. He is with us. Always.

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The last few months, as my last baby has neared the 12-month mark, I have been praying that God will help me find my way; the path that I am supposed to take; the way my life is supposed to go. You see, I'm not sure what the rest of my life is supposed to look like. So, I've been praying about it, regularly, and asking Him to show me what I should be focusing on right now. For months, I've been praying. Earlier this week, the answer became clear to me. It's amazing how the Lord works. How He answers our call when HE (not me) deems it time. I got my answer. He was here for me. And I was ready to listen. 

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I do not believe in coincidences. I believe that everything happens for a reason. For HIS reasons. I don't know why or how or when. I just know that I need to be patient and trusting and faith-filled. I need to help others the best I can and prioritize my children in my life--making sure I am raising kind, loving, faith-filled little ones who love the Lord and want to better the world themselves. 

All this to say, I am a Christian. I love God. I strive everyday to be better than the day before but have a long way to go. But I have God's grace and what an amazing gift that is. I felt and experienced the power of faith, the power of our Lord, twice this week. The importance of surrounding myself with others who are also working hard to deepen their faith and grow as Christians was reiterated amidst trauma as was God's healing power. Further, I felt a peace with where I am in my life, and where I should go, after hearing those answers from God. 

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Wow. What a God-filled week. I am so happy I'm a Christian. I will continue to pray, pray, pray for my dear friends, and if you have a minute, I hope you will, too.

And is it a coincidence that I will be away this weekend, attending my first ever women's retreat with my church? I think not. An entire weekend sharing a room with three wonderful friends and being surrounded by awesome, faith-filled women as we grow and stretch and learn? Bring.It.On. I cannot wait. 

Have a beautiful weekend.  <3