Dearest Stacey –
I read your book, Hope for the Weary Mom, long before I ever dreamed of meeting you in real life. Your words, the stories, they were healing water to a mama who felt lost and very much alone in those early days of motherhood. So I read, devoured really, inhaled words the fed weary souls hope and clung to the promises that yes, I too would one day sleep through the night. One day, I might just feel alive again.
And then our paths crossed again, through (in)couragers, and to be honest, I don’t think I made the connection about Hope for the Weary Mom for a very long time. I just knew that someone thought I had something to offer. Someone saw me, and asked me to be part of something very much outside myself. I didn’t feel worthy to do it at all, but God put the pieces together and there I was, co-leading a group for new and expecting moms because I knew. I knew what it was like to be in that place and I had so longed for a place to go to say “I’m not okay today.” We opened the doors and you taught us how to encourage, to love, to pray for one another through your example.
When I ran into you in the hallway at Allume, I had no idea what God had planned (confession: I never know what God has planned). How could I, in my wildest dreams, have believed that you would willingly skip a session to go chat with me? You saw me. You stopped your plans to learn something amazing from someone wonderful to sit on a sofa and speak into my life. I’ll never forget when you said that I was one of the only ones who emailed to ask how I could pray for you during that first session of (in)couragers. I honestly hadn’t even thought much of it when I did it – and I hope I never forget how easily words can change someone’s life.
Working with you on (in)couragers has been a dream come true. God used you to answer my prayers. You, sweet friend, are inspiring. You are amazing. You shine Jesus everywhere you go. I have watched you comfort, encourage, laugh with and pray for – you live life with people. The words you speak bring hope to hearts that desperately need to hear what you have to say.
You are beautiful.
You have taught me what it’s like to be a good friend.
I love you, friend. You are the awesome sauce on top of the very best chocolate brownie a girl could ever ask for. Dream big, sister. God is going to continue to do a good work through your life and your words.
Now let’s get to work on that line of Dayspring waterproof mascara..I think I could use some….
I‘m linking up with Holley Gerth today – will you join me in reading the other God Size Dream team posts as we write letters to another dreamer to encourage them?
words do change lives, we have the best model and we follow his footsteps. your letter is beautiful and honest, crystal.
aw…having watched this (in)couragers journey since the beginning, I love learning this story. There have been so many blessings during this experience. Thank you, Crystal, for sharing yours.
Continue living your dreams, sister. You inspire me.
Peace and good,
Chelle
What a wonderful tribute and beautiful friendship story. I just can’t wait for my own chance to meet some fellow dreamers 🙂
God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are so much better than my own 🙂
🙂
*smooch* I love that while Emily Freeman & the Nester have “benches” we have big comfy couches 🙂
I love how God brings those people to us just when we need them…the ones who pour that love and encouragement into our lives exactly when we need it. Beautiful post…you are both blessed to have the other lifting you up to our Father. Blessings. 🙂
ohmyheart!!! this post and stacey’s comment below are so, so, so very full! thank you for blessing me today with these words … words from two beautiful women with God-sized HEARTS!! a treasure to behold …