A few years ago, I received an e-mail from a dear friend. We hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in 15 years or more. Imagine my surprise when I saw a message from her in my inbox at work! Get this: I had been searching for her off and on for years. She and her family had been displaced from their home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina ravaged parts of that beautiful city.
I had heard from some of my friends who lived there, but no one knew where Sonya and her family were living. At every turn, I reached a dead end. I was so hopeful each time I discovered a lead then crestfallen when, yet again, I reached a dead end. Sonya and I were best buddies living in Florida all those years ago. We had both been recruited to teach in South Florida, and we both landed in the same town along with two of our mutual friends. Before then, I didn’t know her.
During the course of those four years, we were inseparable. She and I, along with the other Louisiana Girls (as we were affectionately known) taught during the day and just enjoyed life for as long as we were there. We shared our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows and were forever connected — like sisters.
When I finally opened her e-mail message that morning, all those great memories came flooding back. The wave of excitement that washed over me was refreshing — knowing that this lost friend had been found. She was living in Louisiana again and wanted to reconnect. I could hardly wait to get home so I could call her. We laughed, cried, and laughed til we cried about the charmed lives we had led. I realized that I hadn’t seen her since I served as Maid of Honor in her wedding. It took us a few hours, but we finally caught up to our present day lives after meandering down Memory Lane for four hours. Friends like Sonya are rare gems, but the greatest treasure of all is a relationship with God. If you don’t know him, get to know him. Your life will never be the same.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
It’s not too late to embrace this Friend who sticks closer than a brother and never lets go. Seek him while he can be found. Live each day as if it were your last, and do whatever it takes to make him smile while you’re here in your temporary home. That way, when you transition from the here and now to eternity, you can hear the words we all long to hear: Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Before you leave today, take a little time to enjoy my Music Monday selection by Charles Jenkins entitled “Just to Know Him.” May blessings abound! <3
I like how you incorporate personal anecdotes in your posts to teach or engage readers in embracing spiritual principles. It reminds me of Jesus teaching parables. I’m happy you were allowed the opportunity to meet with your dear friend again. I also like you how you conveyed
the message, there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We should all get to know Him.
Oh, Michelle, I am so excited about having a consistent (additional) Monday blessing in you and your posts….I really feel uplifted and connected after reading your post and listening to that wonderful song of praise…and don’t get me started on how I exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh…just when I thought this couldn’t get any better” (in response to the additional singer coming in towards the end). Thank you so much for this…I am so grateful to know that Mondays are going to include you and your uplifting and inspiring messages. Thank you for your faith and devotion…my day is so much brighter by virtue of your efforts…praise Jesus…thank you, Lord. God continue to bless you, Michelle 🙂
Wow! If I ever need a pick me up, I’m coming right here to your comment! God has truly blessed me by using me, but your beautiful words are an outpouring of your heart. Thanks for taking the time encourage me. God bless you, my friend. 😀
I’m glad I was able to convey my gratitude in a way that encourages and uplifts you…that is reciprocity in action…you are really, really amazing. “See you” next Monday, if not sooner 🙂
It really is amazing isn’t it! I reconnected with a friend I met in the fourth grade recently. It seems like we were never apart. We need our friendships!
Wow…that’s amazing!
Oh wow! This is so refreshing to read. I’m glad you reconnected with an old friend.
This is a great read. I’m so glad you connected with your old friend. We need all the friends we an get
Aw, that’s great that you were able to reconnect with your long lost friend. God’s timing is always perfect.
I know that feeling all to well. I love how you tied that story in to the truest friendship we will ever know! Have a blessed week friend! ❤
May blessings abound in your life, sweet friend. <3
Amen! He really is the best friend one could have! Glad you got to reconnect with your old friend as well!
This is beautiful. Congrats on reconnecting with your friend. There’s nothing like our good girlfriends.
Getting to know God and become centered is the best thing you can do for yourself, and the betterment of the environment you’re in.
Agreed, sister!
Well, they say great minds think alike and it appears that we are great, Sistah! My blog is similar to yours! Please stop by my site to check out my work! This story was extremely touching and inspiring, thank you for sharing your faith, as well as your life experience.
Thanks for the encouragement, Sis. I’ll definitely stop by your spot. Iron sharpens iron.
Having attended College in New Orleans, I understand the joy you must have felt when you were able to reconnect with your friend there were days when I feared the worst for many of my college friends. I’m so glad you were able to reconnect as I have with the large majority of my friends who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
It’s always nice to reconnect with old friends. In my 20’s I reconnected with one of my besties from elementary school. We’ve remained friends since.