A TRUE FRIEND

"And remember, we all stumble, every one of us. This is why it is good to go hand in hand."

-- E. K. Brough

Hi Patrice,

Most of us recognize that we are our own worse enemies when it comes to doubting and criticizing ourselves. Thank goodness for friends who will reflect our light back to us when all we see is our own darkness.

Jenny Beard has offered us her own beautiful perspective on really being there for someone (see below). May we each have at least one of these priceless companions.

~ Patrice

Take my hand

I will hold onto yours with strength and calm. I won't let go when trouble comes, when heartaches threaten, when tear drops fall. My head will bow to weep with you. My hand will grasp tighter, and we will walk together through it all.

I want to offer you, with the grip of my fingers, endurance, companionship, comfort, courage. Anything can be faced by two. Everything can be walked through with someone at your side. I will not abandon you when wounds need healing. I will love you with grace.

I offer you my outstretched hand, a friend who sees you and accepts you just for who you are. Without judgment, without rejection, I will listen to your open heart and love you for the beautiful creation you have always been. I won't try to carry you. Do not worry about burdening me. I can stand beside you without taking responsibility for your pain. I can journey next to you without dependence.

Our entangled fingers prove the consistent presence of our bond. With safety between us, we can travel together, blocking fear with love, soothing insecurities with honesty, crushing hesitancy with trust. I am here, holding your hand to honor you.

If you choose to let go, if you release my hand to follow your path alone, I will smile in remembrance of my season with you. I will encourage your steps no matter how much distance they create. I will celebrate the growth we were allowed to share, and I will offer you the vision in my heart for your joy and peace. Grief may come, I will feel your absence, but mingled with my tears will be warmth residing in the palm of my hand.

~Jenny Beard

Jenny posts more words from her heart here.

"You realize just how important it is to be with women who hold your dream, who see you as who you really are, ... who will not buy into your decisions about why you cannot have the life you want. ... Perhaps you really are as powerful as the other women see you."

-- Vicky White