I have shared many times before my love for the movie Steel Magnolias.  You know the one where you can laugh hysterically and cry buckets all in the same scene.  In fact, yes, I admit it…our Jackson is named after the feisty red-headed character Shelby’s son, Jackson.  I fell in love with the name and the third time was the charm.  I always loved how the ladies surrounded themselves with one another in the good, the bad and the ugly and hoped that one day I would have that kind of strength in numbers.  God knew what I needed, and He provided in abundance.

Today is my sweet sister-in-love’s 34th Birthday.  At the bus stop each morning I get to chat with dear friends about everything from the weather to whatever is on our hearts.  This morning I had a coffee date with a beautiful, kindred spirit and lunch with a beloved mentor.  Of course yesterday I was blessed with my morning and evening bible study ladies and a lovely drive home with a sweet 15-year-old whom I love like my own daughter.  I am in awe at the priceless women I get the honor and privilege not just to know, but journey with.

When I think of these precious ladies…a Shakespeare quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to mind…

You see, these women, many of them are at war with brokenness…circumstances beyond their control…and they are in fact warriors. They are fighting the good fight.  In their weakness and frailty…they rely on the strength of their Defender…for they know when they are weak…then they are strong.  They remind me to keep going.  Keep fighting.  Don’t give up.  This life is hard.  It’s messy.  It just sucks sometimes.  I have literally looked at my husband…and not that long ago…under the weight of it all…feeling like I just can’t take it…I jut can’t do this any.more.  I said … just shoot me now!  He fired back… Now stop that!   Yes, I needed that.

Don’t get me wrong…it’s not that these women aren’t tempted.  They are.  We all are.  But what inspires me is their faith and trust that God is with them and He is carrying them through.  Their tenacity and determination is infectious.  And I know that every single one of them would be there for me in a heartbeat…and I for them.  It’s a sisterhood that extends beyond the time and space we currently share…but into an eternity where there will be no more tears…no more sorrow…and no more pain.  And that…THAT is worth fighting for my friends!

So we may be but little…but we are fierce!  Keep fighting the good fight!

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  1 Timothy 6:12