What’s Up with Lisa Harper

By Lisa Harper

The demand for blood continues to increase, yet only 7% of the population donates.

About 10 years ago, a co-worker and good friend of mine, invited me to go with her to donate blood. I had never been a blood donor before and really did not know if I could go through this process or not. My friend had many health issues, but none of them slowed her down. I believe that was the push I needed to get me out of my comfort zone to try something I had never done before. I did, however, realize that there might be a chance that I would not be able to due to my history of anemia.  “Never say never”…so that first appointment went through with no problems or setbacks.

I left that day reflecting on the simple fact that I had saved a life, probably more than one.  But this particular donation was ‘whole blood’, and it was a very short procedure.  Since that day I did try to go back every couple of months to donate.  Seemingly, each and every time my anemia issue seemed to rear its ugly head, thus keeping me from donating.  So I quit going because I felt like that was the end of my being able to donate.

Speed up to present time and I tell many that “I’m proud to be a platelet donor”… After donating whole blood about 2 months ago right here in my community of Belmont, I was asked to consider becoming a platelet donor. Part of that request was due to my blood type being “O”. I thought to myself ‘why not’?  Platelets are the part of your blood that helps control bleeding.  Patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, surgery or chemotherapy rely on platelet donations to help them recover. Donating platelets and/or whole blood is something I feel I need to do - giving others what I have for myself.  I remember as a very young child the many setbacks my Father went through with Cancer, and how the availability of so many things that came together at Duke Hospital gave him an extension of his life.  One of those miracles that gave him another day was the strangers whom I never met or knew, who stepped up to the plate and gave their time and desire to help save his life.  So if my donations can help anyone in a similar circumstance, then I am blessed.

I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the blood center, which by the way is just a few blocks from my house.  I appreciate the staff’s attentiveness.  They make me feel welcome, and they know me by name when I walk in.  I find the donation time to be relaxing rather than stressful, but one has to do it the first time to find out which way it will go.

The platelet donation takes longer than a regular whole blood donation, usually around 80 minutes or so.  Those who like quiet time, it is a great way to slow down from the fast pace of the world. My most recent visit this past week enabled me to watch a great movie that just so happened to star one of my favorite actors.  The time went by very quickly, and I left the donor room with a smile and a sense of pride for I know that within the next couple of days, lives were going to be saved.

I don’t know any of the people who have gotten my blood or my platelets, and I probably never will.  But what I do know is that I will keep donating for as long as they will let me.  I will also continue to persuade others to donate as well.  I am working on a friend right now, who like me, lives to help others and ‘pay it forward’. We will see how that unfolds, but in the meantime I urge you….to make that call.

So what about you? Are you willing to help make that 7% of the population into a larger number?  Set the time aside and donate.  It doesn’t cost a thing and it’s worth all the money in the world.  It’s the gift of life and you can give it.

What’s Up with Lisa

By Lisa Harper - momtocam@gmail.com

“I expect to pass through this world but once.  Any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now.   Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Ever since the Internet became popular, there has been a lot of discussion about whether it has made us all closer or just more disconnected.  Real connection is possible.  It is rare, but you can find it.  I never understood it as well as I do right now. For this past week I lost a friend that I actually never met.  Ironically, I read his obituary, which printed on what would have been his 53rd birthday.

I never knew Toby Eddings, but I am going to miss him.  He was a constant, important presence in my life for the last couple of years.  I suppose with my being a writer and having the love of giving my opinion of many things, we just seemed to have so much in common.  I find comfort in the thought of all the Toby Eddings of the world, toiling away at odd hours in front of their computers.  Doing what they do best in the newsroom.  Editing copy and headlines, all the while putting smiles on faces to all those that he knew, but most of all to those like myself, that he never did know.

He was best known as a connoisseur of sweet iced tea. His gift of gab was an understatement to say the least.  He was a walking encyclopedia of information, opinions, on many a subject from pop culture, entertainment, sports, and the list goes on.  He voiced his thoughts and shared his knowledge in his blogs, which is where I come into the picture.  How do you say goodbye to someone you never met?

Toby reminded me instantly of my Father, who could speak so uniquely and personably on a variety of topics, ideas, theories, and the list goes on.  They both had a way with words.  That dry, sarcastic wit was always intelligent, and often made me laugh when I was not always in a laughing mood.  That in itself is a rare gift; one of the many things Toby was able to do so easily and brilliantly.

If you have people in your life that you care about, tell them.  I don’t have to worry that Toby never worried about how many cared and loved him. There are many.  In the wake of grieving for a friend I never met, I have to ask myself more often now…do your friends know how much they mean to you? Friends that you actually see on a daily basis, but more importantly, those that you never got to actually meet in person.  I feel for certain that with my comments to many of his blogs, he found out very quickly that we shared similar interests as well as our love of Southern cuisine.   So I am now raising my virtual glass to Toby.  I am going to miss seeing your wit and comical sayings online.  The world lost an amazing person, and the English language has lost a true champion.

I became aware about a year ago that Toby’s health had taken a turn. Yet each time in his absence, he would always bounce back full of energy and life.  His quirky comments, like “I’m back, but I am still cranky,” or “Who told so and so that they were actually a good news reporter or anchor person?”  His recent sideline though was a bit long, and with that I had kept a feeling inside that things were not going to keep going positive.  I realized that things as they had been for so long were about to change.  Though at the end, I truly could say that the goodbye I found myself saying earlier last week held a hidden component… it contained a blessing.

That blessing now is being able to reflect on the legacy Tony now leaves behind.  I think it is of benefit to all of us, young and old, to spend some time thinking about our purpose in life, our reason for being. As hard as it is to understand God’s timing, the memory of his life is still working of people’s hearts that crossed his path, yet for me I somehow feel that I truly did know him.  And for that I have many reasons to be blessed.  Toby lived with a purpose in his life. So it seems that living on purpose will not only help you leave a rich and amazing legacy, it will possibly give you a longer time to do it.  Go ahead and mark on the world.  Toby sure did.

Rest in peace Toby…from now on when I drink a glass of sweet tea, it will remind me of your life, your love of fellow man, but most of all, the legacy you have left behind.  The 52 years you were on Earth you lived life to its fullest.  I now turn the page of that chapter in your life and reflect on the words below:

Like a Perfect flower…that is just beyond your reach…gone too soon. Born to amuse, inspire, to delight…here one day and then gone one night. You were gone too soon.

What’s Up with Lisa Harper

During preparation for jury duty a few years ago, I watched a videotape that said: “All across the state, jury panels are being assembled to sit in judgment of others, just as one day people may assemble to sit in judgment of us.”

Being judged by a jury of my peers is possible, but standing before Almighty God is certain.  Our works will be evaluated and our reward determined by the Lord.  Although this past week’s events were only temporary, I couldn’t help but think that one day will come when I will be judged.  That judgment will be revealing what I did in my life on earth, and it won’t be by 12 peers sitting in a chair, but by God sitting upon his throne in heaven.  It also reminded me to lead, and to be an example to others who are not living as they should be.  Let us focus our attention in guiding all those who are lost to a place in their heart that will speak to them of God’s undying love for all of us.

We will be morally and spiritually audited.  The Lord will review every entry in the ledger of our lives; not only what we did on earth, but also the reasons why we did it will be known and judged.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that when we die we will be “present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).  With that in mind, Paul wrote, “We make it our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body . . . whether good or bad” (vv.9-10).

Instead of cringing with fear, we can live with joy as we seek to please God and look forward to our heavenly reward.  Let’s strive to make sure our actions and motives will be found worthy, not worthless, on the day we stand before God.

Our salvation depends on what Christ did for us; our reward depends on how we live for Him.  Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with the judgment that you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  Matthew 7:1-2 KJV

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, we are reminded by you through the Word to “cast all our anxiety on you, for you do care for us.”  At this time, when we are not sure what to do, and even wonder where to turn, we know that we can and are to turn to you.  Build up our faith, so that we don’t waver.  Strengthen our understanding so that we can see what you are doing for us.  Focus our attention, not on what seems to be going wrong, but on what is right.  For through you, dear Lord, we know that we are forgiven and saved, we are going to spend eternity in heaven.  Until that moment, help us to trust in you with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, so that nothing ever can separate us from your proven love.  We ask this in your name.  Amen.

What’s Up with Lisa Harper

Isn’t it amazing that you can hear scads of compliments and soon forget them, but let someone say something bad about you, and you will remember it all of your life?

Not to say that this is something that has never happened to me or anyone for that matter; it did rear an ugly head my way most recently.  With that being said, it caused many emotions and feelings that I had undertaken so many times before.  But, what really hit to the core was that the person who spoke these negative words seemingly went on about their day like it never happened.  I am sure they now realize all too well that those words of hurt did indeed set off a domino chain of events.

Long story short, I have walked away from a place of worship that I called home for over thirteen years. Though I had left before under different circumstances, this time my heart and God told me to move on and heal my hurt and forgive all who had ever spoken hurtful words or comments about me.

The one thing I will never be able to understand or comprehend is how some who portray their love and Christian faith in public can turn around and let their personal egos and selfish ways take precedence ahead of what we all know is more important-which is being what God wants us all to be-true Christians and role models for everyone who comes our way in our lives.

Unfortunately, we rehearse those hurtful words over and over if we do not take action to heal from them.  It is as if we enjoy picking at the scab until we get the wound infected again.  We torture ourselves again and again.  I believe it is one of the tactics Satan uses to steal the joy from believers.  He reminds us of our past pain, and we hurt all over again.  People may be quick to say hurtful words about others because it serves their own pride.   Hurting others may take some of the sting out of their own failures if they can rub off the glitter and joy that other people possess.

Healing from hurtful word requires a commitment.  You must be committed to forgive the person who said those words to you.  You must forgive if you are to recover.  Hurtful words require the forgiveness of Jesus.  They require that you remember that you, too, have been forgiven.  You may have been forgiven for saying hurtful words to someone else.  Regardless, you have been forgiven for many other things in life.  You do not need to make yourself better than others by not giving them forgiveness.

You also need to commit yourself to not bringing up the memory.  Some people say that we should forgive and forget.  Forgetting hurtful words is one of the hardest things to forget.  You have to do your best not to bring that memory to the surface.  Yes, I still believe that Satan will remind you of those words, but I know you can remind him that you have already forgiven what was said by putting those memories out of your mind.  Of course, you can also give Satan pleasure by dwelling on those words and going through worse pain.  Hurtful words become more hurtful when you dwell on them.  The devil calls into question God’s word.  The devil’s business is misrepresenting God.  When you slander or gossip you are continuing the work started by Satan.

Commit yourself to the picture God has of you.  Hurtful words hurt so much because we secretly believe them.  We seem to adapt the picture we have of ourselves by what we think others think of us.  We generally get our perception of ourselves as such: I am not what I think I am; I am not you what you think I am; I am what I think you think I am.

Instead of basing your value on what another has said of you, base it on the Almighty who knows your heart.  He has showered you with love, and He has incredible plans and works for you.  He would not do these things if He didn’t know He could trust you. Dwell on His love rather than hurtful words.

Commit yourself to do these things for the rest of your life.  Otherwise, you will be overtaken by hurtful words after you think you have mastered them.  You will master them, but it will take you the rest of your life.

Finally, enlist a close friend to pray for you.  Tell the friend that you want to have victory over something that is defeating you.  Have them pray for faith and strength in your life.  Turn it over to God.  He will make you victorious.

A good practice is to THINK before you speak.

Ephesians 4:32 -Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Graduates Face Difficult…But Not Impossible Step Into The “Real World”

By Lisa Harper

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Graduation is a time to celebrate the success of completing one’s tertiary education, but for many graduating, this is also a time that is filled with a great sense of uncertainty about the future and the challenges that lie ahead on this road called life.  But the reality is the good news behind that uncertainty. Life does not begin here at graduation but has in fact been in motion for all of us since birth.

For many people it is important to fulfill their potential by being the best they can ever be for their loved ones and to be contributing members in their community.  We want our graduates to have a bright sense of tomorrow, and above all else, they should be equipped with the certainty that there is a God who is devoted to their needs for the rest of their life.

I read the other day that those graduating this year and possibly for the next 2-3 years, will face giant hurdles like no other graduating class has had to face. Given the state of our economy, and all those who are out of work and who have run out of unemployment benefits, graduates will be competing with more job seekers since the “Great Depression”. Does that scare you? It is an eye opening statement, but all the same a rude awakening to many now crossing that stage as they are given their diploma.

It is in times like these that we put our faith in doing the right things based on the information and advice that is available to us. We may all be living in uncertain times, and whether or not we are armed with the latest in affairs and grim reports of job statistics, we can rest in the knowledge that the Bible existed before the world. You have a co-pilot guiding you whom will follow you from here on out.

One of the most interesting books in the Bible which talks about the futility of life’s achievements is Ecclesiastes.  There is a precious truth found in this book regarding the importance of being found at the right place at the right time. King Solomon wrote this book when he realized the futility of the cycle of life and the achievements of men without God and the realization that without divine wisdom, we are left only with the best of human efforts to build our own world. We witness this all too often when there are disasters in storms, terrorist events, and the list goes on.

A famous singer once sang about her desire to give the best of everything she had to her child in these words, “I would….if I could.”  Here is a woman’s heartfelt desire to pass on knowledge and life experiences.  Indeed mistakes are regrettable, and if we can teach our young people about them, then perhaps the same mistakes will not be repeated in their lives.

Over the next few months, as you get ready for college or move into a job, it can be hard trying to find your place.  It can almost feel like you are stuck between two worlds.  It can be a tough time ahead trying to find your place, but one thing doesn’t change; your place in the world.  “Striving to be successful is never easy. It is not luck, but hard work and determination that will help you reach your goals.  Hard work is what has gotten all of you to this important moment in your lives, and it will enable you to follow your dreams. Faith is not a commodity we either have or don’t have.. it is an inner quality that unfolds as we learn to trust our  own deepest experience.”

Keep your heads held high, your minds open, but most of all your divine trust in God. But most of all remember this; set out each day believing in your dreams.  Know without a doubt that you were made for amazing things.

“A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere.”

What’s Up with Lisa Harper

Every now and then we can find ourselves in a rut with no apparent way out. What we need is a fresh start; what many people call a “second chance” or an opportunity to “turn over a new leaf,” so that we can do things differently. But, starting over is not easy unless we are ready for change.

About two months ago I was invited to a friend’s church that meets once a month. This particular church is not your normal brick and mortar building with high columns and pews. This building was located just outside a main road nestled amongst a country setting. What looks to the eye of being an old saw mill, this building is where I witnessed listening to two close friends give their testimonies. It was a divining moment for me as I sat and took in the messages that both of them gave. In all honesty, I was hit with every emotion imaginable. At the same time though, it reminded me that in life we all are given a second chance. What we decide to do at that moment will determine what path we take afterward. Ironically both of these testimonies had a positive and very happy ending.

It caused me to reflect back on my own life and the twist and turns that enabled my twin sister and me to be given a second chance as well. For I know all too well that if the circumstances had unfolded any differently, we certainly would not have ended up where we are today. I say we were the lucky ones, yet another part of me is instantly reminded that there was a divine presence at work from the beginning of our journey. It led us to being placed in a good home with biological family members who adopted us after they had already raised two children. Not every child is given this opportunity.

My friend’s stories of how their lives went from one bad circumstance to yet another dead end path was sad. It seemingly was controlling every aspect of their life. Fast forward many years later, and their dead end paths became quite the opposite. Though both took different directions and ultimately made poor choices and decisions, they were able to begin over again. They too were given a second chance in life.

If there’s one truth that’s indisputable about human beings, it’s that we have an infinite capacity to mess up. But even more infinite than our ability to sin is God’s desire to forgive us. For those of us who have accepted Christ as our Savior, that means God will forgive us every time we ask. The God of second chances uses broken people to express his unfailing love. God can change anybody’s life that’s willing to change.

We are all given many chances to change choices we make. We cannot erase our failures, but we can learn from them. When we learn from them, we are less likely to repeat it. There is no person on this earth who cannot improve their situation if that is really what they want to do; they just have to know that they can. Will the way, believe it into action. We are truly blessed with the power of learning and overcoming. Hope and faith go hand in hand when we trust in God. Will you let him give you a second chance?

I had someone ask me recently how one of these friends survived and did such a complete turnaround? That friend had spent the better part of his life behind prison walls. He was given away at two  months old, and the pieces of his life from there just went down hill. I looked at them so eloquently and spoke these words:

“They accepted God as their savior and gave their life to HIM.” May I remind you that both of my friends now are husband and wife. They have their own ministry and they share their life experiences to others on a daily basis.

Let mercy, grace and love follow you all the days of your life. People need you to make a difference in their lives. Amen..

What’s Up with Lisa Harper

By Lisa Harper

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Revelation 21:4

Billy Joel once performed a song titled, ‘‘Only the Good Die Young’’ There’s a lot to be said for this title. As I look back at some of those in my life who have left this earth, many have been way too young.  Only the good die young? It’s not a cliché. It’s the truth. It’s a sad reality. But missing my dear friend as I do, I realize that it’s not how much time we have on this earth that matters, it is what we do with that time.  Michelle packed about a hundred years of work, service to others, love, and friendship into the short 34 years she spent walking among us. Those of us who knew her will miss that infamous smile, but we are definitely better people because we can call her “friend “.

As I sit here today I am reminded of a date on the calendar that is approaching all too fasts. April 15th is around the corner…but I am not talking about Uncle Sam or the dreaded date on the calendar for so many that send them into a frinzy of deadlines and mad dashes to a post office at midnight. What this date means to me is that I have gone yet another year without a very special friend who left this earth too soon. Someone that came into my life a mere 10 years ago. This date also reminds me of a statement that goes with me day to day….”Never take anything for granted” for it can be gone in an instant. This April 15th will be the five year anniversary of her life being cut short by a tragic accident. I only found out about her death the day after while reading the news online.  A short time later I received a very sad email from her Father.  This is one of those moments for me that I wished it were all a bad dream, sadly it was not.

Michelle was one of the few people I have ever known whom everybody liked — and who seemed to like everybody.  Her smile was something that was always present.  If you ask anyone what they remember about her it was always that unforgettable smile that could light up any dark room.  We worked together a short two years but kept in touch with one another after our personal lives took us in separate directions.  Throw in many issues that followed Michelle shortly after.

The daily stresses of life itself, job changes, personal changes, a marriage that ended, medical setbacks, and the list goes on. But through it all she was the strongest person I ever met. She kept the bonds of friendship on top always.

She left behind a dear, sweet family. A beloved daughter who I now have the honor and privilege of getting to see grow up in love and grace, and who by the way also has a very special smile like her mom.

So as April 15th comes and goes on the calendar this year I will remember the memories she left behind. Those are priceless indeed. Never to be taken away. I know one day I will see her again. Until we pass by again Michelle I want to say ‘thank you’ for being there for me through it all. God brings people into our lives when we least expect it. I am a better person because of all that you taught me about the happy times and the not so good times.  Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me.

Rest in peace Michelle…gone.. but never forgotten.

“What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. In the knowledge that we will soon be reunited, we can hold tight to the memories of our lost loved one for comfort in our moments of sadness”.

What’s Up with Lisa Harper

“Most of our censure of others is only oblique praise of self, uttered to show the wisdom and superiority of the speaker. It has all the insidiousness of self-praise, and all the ill-desert of falsehood. ”

Verse:   The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.1 Samuel 16:7

We can avoid being critical of others by keeping our eyes on Jesus.Christians are some of the worst at judging the lives of others. Isn’t it ironic that while we have been commissioned by Christ to proclaim the gospel, we often turn those away from Him by how we outwardly judge others who fail to measure up to our worldly standard? In other words, we push others away from Christ instead of allowing them to see the Christian qualities in us that have brought such joy and peace to our lives. Indeed, there are many unbelievers who, after looking at how judgmental we can be, say to themselves: “If that’s Christianity, then I don’t want any part of it.” Sadly, they see a small part of our lives and may be lost for all of eternity.

We often form a mistaken judgment of character;  but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment.

What Jesus is telling us about being judgmental is that we can’t look discriminately at others unless we look at them through our own mistakes, our own failures, our own sins. And if we apply that standard, then we will show those Christ-like qualities that will emphasize forgiveness and not judgment.

Some of the strongest warnings Christ gave in his three-year ministry concerned judgment. He thought it was a most ridiculous worldly quality. That’s why he used a peculiar, some might call it unique, analogy to make His point. “Why,” he said, “do you look at a speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

Isn’t it great that God doesn’t judge us in the same way that we judge others? That’s right. When God looks at our lives, he looks first at our hearts. “God does not judge by external appearance”

So when we judge others perhaps we should step back for a moment and judge our judging. Are we being fair? Or are we acting on a double standard? After all, you cannot condemn a man for drinking from the well that you drink from every morning.

“Perfection is possessed by no man or woman”

What’s Up with Lisa

By Lisa Harper - Belmont NC

momtocam@gmail.com

“Road sense is the offspring of courtesy and the parent of safety”

Ok, so I truly understand that people feel that they do not need to turn on their headlights if/when they can see but I actually thought that common sense would prevail when people drive in the rain; especially when the weather is literally grey out there.   Is it me or is it not so much that you can see but that other people (drivers) can see you?  Just a thought or me venting; turn your headlights on when driving in the rain.  If you drive a small dark car & it’s raining fairly decently, guess what, other drivers cannot see you.

I’m happy to report that my windshield wipers are working, which is a good thing since we seem to be inundated with rain and bad weather this  Winter.  So talking about windshield wipers and rain makes me want to jump on my soapbox of defensive driving. Do you know what  a good defensive driving tool is?  Your headlights. I drive with my headlights on all the time. The main reason is my car automatically turns on when I start my car. Which is a good thing given the simple fact that there are too many that drive like they can been seen no matter how bad the weather might be. The way I see it, other drivers are more likely to see me with my lights on. Headlights don’t always have to be about you seeing in the dark–it’s just as important for other drivers to see YOU.

I drove into Gastonia early this morning. Before I had gone 2 blocks I counted 8 cars driving without their lights on, a

nd it was pouring rain. See? This really makes me angry. This is an open invitation for you to be hit by someone else simply because your vehicle was not visible.

The safety consideration of driving with headlights on is nothing new. Motorcycles are required to have a headlight on all the time in many states, even in clear daylight. Thankfully, a number of new cars and trucks are factory equipped with daytime running lights, low beam headlights that automatically come on when the vehicle is started,  day or night.

The states as of December 2009 that require motorist to turn on their headlights when the windshield wipers are in use are:

CA, NY, IL, FL, IN, KS, NC, MO, PA, MD, OH, SC, LA, GA, AR, CT, ME, MN, NJ, OR, RI, TN, and VA. That is 23 States total which leads me to question “Why is it not law in the remaining 27 States ?”

My question  is “Do policemen stop those that break this law?“  They sure didn’t this morning. If they did then my account this morning of the many I saw driving in the rain, all the while not using their lights, is just a disgrace and disregard for others that are obeying this traffic law. Some cop sure could have written a lot of tickets within a short amount of time. Need I say that this is a major pet peeve for me when driving IN RAIN.

Light up, it could save your life.

What’s Up with Lisa

By Lisa Harper - Belmont NC

momtocam@gmail.com

“Friendship Is The Golden Thread That Ties The Heart Of All The World”

I have been thinking a lot about my friendships, both old and new. The people I consider my friends are those that have grown up with me in some way. Maybe they are a childhood friend; one who spent countless nights sleeping over tucked into sleeping bags and struggling to stay awake past midnight. Or maybe they are a cherished friend from my teenage years when I experienced my first heartache, celebrating high school milestones like driving around town just because we could with our newly laminated drivers licenses, and moving the tassels on our graduation caps. Then I have my friends who came my way through the many jobs that I held over the last 24 years of working full time. One particular friend who lives in Charlotte became my friend through a job that brought us together all the way back in 1992.

Though we don’t spend as much time together as I would like, we have managed to stay in contact through the years.  That is a true blessing because there are so many who have walked in and out of my life.

Now that I find myself without employment, the last three years has been eventful in so many ways. The most recent breath of fresh air came my way last Fall, when through my “writing”, I met a dear lady who lives not far from me. She introduced herself via email and we both found out that we have so much in common.  A chance meeting has now turned into something ever so special.

That one introduction has now turned into many friendships through a group that my new friend had established a short few months prior to contacting me. She came up with the perfect name “The Lunch Bunch”. This group formed from her circle of friends whom she found herself only seeing on Wednesdays and Sundays at church. She wanted to be able to see them more and learn more about them. This group of ladies now meets each  Friday for lunch at different restaurants throughout the county. We meet for food, fellowship, and laughter. A chance meeting through a hobby that we both shared has now turned into something so unique.

With these new friends I can spend hours discussing everything from the latest book we’re both reading to our plans or fears for the future.

We laugh and share stories, but most of all we enjoy the special time together. What seemed like meeting strangers for the first time, has now become friends that I feel like I have known forever. We never know how many are going to show up. But, most of our recent gatherings have brought as many as 14 together. Each and every Friday is unpredictable, yet we realize that we all now share a special bond with one another.

They are friends who are growing with me as I gain the confidence to go after my dreams; the ones who encourage me to keep going when I think it would be easier to give up; the ones who email me exactly when I need a smile. Those emails with funny messages that only we would understand.

They are the ones who I know will be there if I need them day or night. For that I am truly blessed.

All of my friends hold a special place in my heart, but I’m realizing how important my “Lunch Bunch” friends have become a permanent fixture in my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Thank you Linda for finding me.