What if you had a friend who was selfless? What if this friend talked and listened to God daily? I live a very blessed life because I have multiples of these kind of friends. The one who I am thinking of today, well, her name should be BLESSING. Most people who know her can list ways that she has blessed them. Her husband can tell you how she gave up much for him to leave a ministry with a church so he could go back to law school (with three kids). Her kids can tell you how she prays, listens, and guides. Her house church can tell you how she's their prayer warrior, mercy giver, selfless servant...their sister who has given up herself for the love of her LORD. Her name is Mary. Most people who know her call her Missy.
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Talk to those who have needed a friend when no one else seemed to care. Missy's there!
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Ask women who have struggled in their marriage relationships who was there for them. Missy was the friend!
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Listen to women tell you who is praying for their needs. Missy indeed!
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Hear the neighborhood kids talk about who's the mom who hosts the kids AND teaches them about Jesus? Missy Douglas!
.When Steve and I moved from Indiana to South Jersey in 2007, we left our two young adult daughters behind. As many of you know, one of them suffers from chronic migraines. Her sister chose to stay and share an apartment with her (that story is for another day) while she finished up her senior year in college. We were concerned but then again...Missy was there!
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Every day for a year or more Missy prayed for the girls and emailed them. Many days she prayed for Steve and I and emailed us. The heart of Jesus is evident in this selfless, persistent, enduring friend of mine. Here are some email starters from Missy to me over a one month period in 2007 and another one month period in 2008. Did I tell you that she was doing this for multiple others besides the 3 emails in our family, being mother/wife in a very active family, teaching school full time, hosting a house church? Did I tell you that I am so grateful for my sister is Christ, Missy Douglas?
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2007 - one month's time...different prayers on different days:
- Pray that God's will be done...
- I love you Patti...
- I love you my friend! Thank you for your encouraging words...
- But, be strong and courageous!
- I loved picking up Crystal. She is such a joy!
- Well, my friend, thank you for your prayer! I needed it today. I seem to spend a lot of time emailing prayers to people, and when I get one for myself, it makes me cry! Thank you for that gift today. I will keep it and reread when I need to be lifted up.
- I also have been praying for you and Steve. May God bless your ministry there...
- I was praying for your girls and wanted to tell you I am praying for you, too...
- I am praying for you today. May God prepare the way before you as you go ...
- Praise God for His goodness! I will continue to pray...
- I am praying for you, dear sister. May God uphold you as you have so many burdens. I pray that His peace washes over you and that you are surrounded and supported by His angels. May God be merciful to you and your family...
- I praise our Great and Powerful God for His great mercy! What is man that He is mindful of us? Yet, He sent His son to save us. I continue to pray that this same God will show mercy to you and your family. I pray that Jessica's healing is at hand..
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2008 - one month's time...different prayers on different days:
- I am praying for you today...May God bless your family, your church, and your marriage. Hold fast to the Lord, for He is good. I pray that His goodness pours down...
- Praise God! God listened! We praise this amazing God who cares so much about us all...
- Thought you would be interested in this miracle...
- Hello to both of you. I finished reading an amazing book called, The Shack by William P. Young. It is a fictional story of a man who has suffered great loss and pain. He is invited by God to meet him at the scene of tragedy...
- Amen! God is so good! I am being reminded of this constantly...
- I am praying for you today. May God help you carry your shield of faith when your strength is weak. I pray that the Holy Spirit brings your prayers to God when you cannot. I ask God's mercy to pour out on you and your entire family. Hold fast. Be strong and courageous. The Lord is your strength. Praise God!
- May God bless you with many encouragers today. I pray that you find your burden lifted and shared by those around you. May God interceed for you and your family...
- God is indeed faithful...
BLESSED are the poor in spirit
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
BLESSED are those who mourn
for they shall be comforted.
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6 comments:
Patti, you truly are blessed to have a friend like Missy. My first thought was how nice to have a friend like that, then I thought I wish I was a friend like that.
What a wonderful friend! This was such a great post. Thank you for sharing this with us. Have a great day.
What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful, Godly woman! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Mandy
UPDATE: After she read this post this morning, Missy emailed me to say that this post was a direct answer to a prayer that she prayed during communion on Sunday morning... Hmmmm! Our God listens to His children... Here are the first words of Missy's email today: "Patti...I am crying and speechless. I feel like I am reading about some mighty warrior, but I just look in the mirror and see myself...weak, undeserving, and in need of redemption. It was odd reading all of the snippets from the emails. All I could think of was that they weren't my words...." Missy, my friend, God used you to comfort me because you were willing to be used!
Missy sounds just wonderful! It's great to be around someone who challenges you to look to God.
I am blessed to hear about such an amazing gift from God,Patti. Missy is no other than a true reflection of Christ. Thank you for sharing about your true friend and blessing from God.
Chris M.
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