Strength

Where do you turn and who do you turn to for strength? Where do you get help from when things just seem too much?  I'm so blessed to have an amazing network of family and friends that are like family who are always there for me.  They are always there with a hug, an "I love you" and prayers.  I lean on them, probably too much, but I hope they know that I am always a phone call or text away when they need me too.
I turn towards laughter. Funny youtube videos.  Memes on Pinterest.  Facebook pages of hilariousness.  Unfortunately, those are more like bandaids.  They raise my spirits.  But once the thoughts creep in, the worries take over and I'm right back where I started.
I love my quotes, my scripture, the prayers.  Sometimes it is a hunt to find one that fits but in the hunt you can find so many more that speak to you and hit issues that you didn't even know were bothering you.  There is so much strength, courage and guidance to be found in the Word.
I have a best friend who has been there for me for all the good and all the bad for as long as I can remember.  Literally knows every minute of my life and could tell stories that keep me wanting to stay on her good side.  HA!  But she has always been there for me and gets me like no one else ever has.  Ever.  I am so thankful for her.
Lastly, I am blessed to have a new best friend and future husband who is my rock and my guide through all things dark and murky.  He inspires me to be a better person and helps me let go of my worries and fears.  And believe me, that is a monumental task.  I like to cling to those worries and fears.  I know that I will never have to go through anything alone again.
One thing I've found is that it is easy to be kind and non judgmental when things are going your way.  But boy, when someone does you wrong or hurts you/your loved ones... it is really hard to forgive and keep your heart compassionate.  One of the hardest tasks on the planet is to forgive those who don't feel they have done anything wrong and don't want your forgiveness.  But I've read and I believe that it isn't for them that we forgive.  We forgive so that we don't become eaten up with hate.  It's one of the things that scares me the most.  Becoming a person with hate in her heart.

So I'll keep praying.  I'll keep turning to my friends and family for support and prayers.  I'll hold my best friend and Tim close and listen to their words of guidance and love that make it all seem possible.  And I'll listen and remember.