A week and a half ago, my friend Connie was driving by her house and noticed that her street was blocked off and there were fire trucks everywhere. She thought to herself, “Oh dear, something is burning.” It didn’t take long for her to see that it was her own house that was on fire.
Three years ago, Connie lost her husband to cancer, leaving her with five children to raise on her own.
And now this.
A few days later I spoke with Connie at church and invited her family over for lunch. She answered with, “Well, we already have plans today, but maybe just you and I can go out for lunch sometime this week.”
Um, okay. I was up for whatever she needed. We made plans to meet for lunch on Wednesday.
The day our lunch together was to take place, I was prepared to offer strength and encouragement to this woman who had lost so much.
Little did I know that I would be the one to leave the restaurant encouraged, strengthened and built up.
The whole time we were eating and visiting I was thinking to myself, “Why did it take a fire for us to sit down and have this conversation? By not spending much time with Connie before, I’ve been SO missing out.”
What a delightful woman. What a woman of faith. What a woman of strong character. I wanna be like that when I grow up.
I wish it wouldn’t have taken a fire…but I sure am grateful for the chance to get to know Connie better. I love how God brings great things out of the bad.
—————————————————–
What are you grateful for this Gratituesday? Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here. Don’t have a blog? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you’re thankful for!
Could you please delete my 1st link? I had this all ready and then my oldest came downstairs sick. I felt like a phoney posting it! :)
Wow! What a strong woman. Always something for me to strive for.
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve visited with Connie who used to live 2 houses away from me. She lives what she believes! Praise God!
Connie lost her husband with 5 children at home. Last week, Bonita lost her husband Scott with 4 children ages 7 and under. Pray for Connie and Bonita!
I’m so sorry, the first link (8) I posted was incorrect. Silly me.
I truly was touched by your Gratituesday post!
Praying for your sweet friend and relishing all my sweet moments with family & friends!
Wow. It is always amazing that it can take tragic circumstances to get people together. Priase the Lord that she is able to be such a testimony of joy regardless of circumstances!
Just so you know, you are one of those women to me. Hands down, I have learned so much about life from your blog:)
Is there some way we could help Connie? Does she need clothing, furniture, or food? Did she have insurance for all the things she lost? Please let us know. I would love to send her a little something.
Thank you SO much for your sweet offer. At this point I think they are okay. Insurance is taking good care of them and the church has been stockpiling things they need too. BUT if I hear of anything else we can do, I will definitely post about it!!