“I HATE women!” Those were the words . . . MY words . . . stated to a former Pastor’s wife many years ago. Words laced with venom but also hurt at the betrayal I’d felt from some of the women in my life. Women who were supposed to be my closest friends.
“You’ll be ministering to women one day then,” she replied calmly.
Looking back on that day and the incredible healing journey that began there and continues in my life today (it is a process you know), I stand amazed. God not only healed my brokenness but He also made a complete change in my heart and brought me full circle to a place of not only loving women, but desiring to offer them hope and healing in their own lives.
Doesn’t our God have a great sense of humor?
Here is my tribute to the circle of women in my life.
No, it isn’t Mother’s Day or Glorify the Goddess That You Are Day. Haha! But lately, as I’ve tended to the flowers in my yard I’ve been reminded of the women in my life. Daily watering, picking off old blooms, pruning back those that grow out of control, and simply enjoying their fragrance and beauty.
Each woman who has crossed my path in this life journey holds an important place in my heart and has in some way shaped who I am.
Some have been my friends for ages and we know each other to the core of our beings. These are those with whom I’ve shared secrets that I had vowed to take to the grave! You listened and did not judge. You accepted me, imperfections and all.
Some are brand new friends that I’m still getting acquainted with. We have a lot to share with one another and I look forward to more time spent in your presence. I’m excited to hear your stories.
Some of you came into my life for a short season and are now gone. Gone but never forgotten.
Some of you hold different beliefs than I do but we’ve agreed to disagree in love.
Some of you may have left my life wounded. You by me and me by you. I promise you that along my healing journey God has healed all those hurts in me and I pray that He will do the same for you.
Some of you dear girls are boisterous and funny.
Some quiet and introspective.
Some of you I’ve never met face-to-face but I know that if we did have the chance to sit together we would know each other instantly and find ourselves chatting for hours. I’m pretty sure that will actually happen with some of you and I’m holding a spot for you here at my table.
Joyous times, funny times, silly times. Sad times, tearful times, holding each other close times. Angry times and wounded times. Times of working together side-by-side or relaxing and playing almost as hard as we worked!
No matter what role you have played in my life I value you deeply. I would not be who I am today without the experiences we’ve had together. I look forward too to new friendships and the richness to be gleaned from them. I hope I can enrich your life in some way also.
Girlfriends . . . I am incredibly thankful to Father God to have you in my life.
Blessings,
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Stacey Keeling says
June 20, 2016 at 11:02 amYes, we love flowers and girlfriends!! I’m with you Patti.
Jen says
June 20, 2016 at 1:11 pmWhat a beautiful post. I’ve travelled a similar path, going from preferring to work with men to surrounding myself almost exclusively with women. Funny how life turns out, isn’t it!
Trisha Flaherty says
June 20, 2016 at 2:36 pmwell said!
Carol Cook says
June 20, 2016 at 5:14 pmWhat a beautiful post.
I thought about the women in my life. I sadly don’t see many of them regularly, but we pick up where we left off immediately when we are joined together again.
Sharon H says
June 20, 2016 at 8:11 pmMiz Patti! Even though I am one of those you’ve not met face to face yet….I am claiming that seat at your table for the day when I am privileged to see you in the flesh! Or in the Spirit…whichever comes first….because I am certain that the Spirit in me will recognize the Spirit in you, no matter where we finally meet up, my friend.
Awesome post, beautiful thoughts and words. Thanks for sharing today.
Phil 1:3
At Rivercrest Cottage says
June 20, 2016 at 10:18 pmLovely yard and flowers. Always love to share a day in your yard with you via the internet.
Dianne Thornton says
June 21, 2016 at 8:05 amYour flowers are beautiful! I’d love to have coffee on your deck!! This is a beautiful tribute. I, too, have many women friends who have influenced my life. I’ve been wounded. I’ve wounded. But yes … There is healing. There is forgiveness. Thank goodness for mercy! And knowing there is More that unites us, than divides us.
Mary Geisen says
June 21, 2016 at 9:20 amAmen! I love that we are newer friends and have much to learn from each other. Many blessings on your week! Your yard is beautiful!
SUSAN SHIPE says
June 21, 2016 at 11:17 amI am not sure which flower would describe me but I am blessed to be included in the garden of your life! (That was so poetic and doesn’t even sound like something I would say!!! LOL) You bring out my sweetness. Ha!
Debbie Kitterman says
June 21, 2016 at 2:05 pmHey girlfriend! Such a great post – I love the way you always can take something that seems so ordinary – flowers and make such a great story that draws me in from the beginning ! I love your beautiful pictures too. I love your heart and your willingness to be transparent. Love you!
Joanne Viola says
June 21, 2016 at 5:51 pmThank you, Patti, for making me realize once again that every friendship was in my life for a reason. My life changed because they were a part of it. And thank you for sharing your lovely garden with us. Beautiful photos!
Holly Barrett says
June 22, 2016 at 6:45 amLove, love, love this post! And can’t wait to see you in a few short weeks! xoxo
Valerie Sisco says
June 22, 2016 at 9:27 amHi Patti,
Gorgeous photos of the flowers (as always!) and what honest and beautiful words you have penned for those in your life and those who aren’t. It’s true isn’t it, that women do hurt us and we unknowingly do the same but that hurt festers because we aren’t wise enough to let it go — but you have discovered the secret! Maturity and forgiveness and gratefulness are all qualities I aspire to and you, my friend, have displayed them! 🙂
Michele Morin says
June 23, 2016 at 7:03 amSmiling and smiling at the wonderful work that God has done in your heart. I think He’s smiling too.
Mari-Anna Stalnacke says
June 24, 2016 at 7:33 amBeautiful post, lovely pictures, true sentiments. God is so good to give us what we need, especially girlfriends. Blessings to you!
Pat says
July 2, 2016 at 4:53 pmPatti,
He has chosen You for Me!
I am continually blessed by your friendship, dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat