Weddings are interesting. Everyone has a different idea of what a wedding should be, how it should function, what is appropriate and what isn’t, etc. But that’s just the actual day, then you throw in all the events and steps leading up to a wedding and you have quite the occasion. I was engaged for a year and a half before my wedding day, so my poor friends had to deal with my wedding talk for quite a while. They may have hated me for it, but if they did they didn’t let me know. They were beyond happy for me and so excited that my husband and I were FINALLY getting married.

They booked their plane tickets to my destination wedding, made their hotel reservations, threw us an engagement party, and because my family was so far away they took turns going with me to bridal shops to try on wedding dresses. They gave of their finances, time, and their hearts. They gave their input on invitations, wedding colors, flowers. They showered me with love and support and well wishes. One of my poor friends even had to go with me to pick up my wedding dress, stuff it into a cab, and help me walk it up five flights of stairs to my apartment (Thank you, Rachel).

And this is the part of the story where I tell you that I have the BEST friends in the entire world. And it’s not because of how well they handled my wedding. It’s not because they bought bridesmaid dresses, or listened to me complain about the cost of linens, or even because they helped me stuff dozens of welcome bags to put in guest’s hotel rooms. I have the best friends in the entire world because of how they handled my divorce.

One blog post isn’t enough to describe the pure beauty of my friends. There aren’t enough words to fully explain their dignity and grace and support and grit. Not one person has made me feel like a failure. No one has expressed remorse for the energy they put into my wedding and marriage. These super-duper strong women have been there from the moment they got the telephone call or text or e-mail that my marriage was crumbling. They have let me sleep on their couches and cry on their shoulders. They have kept me busy when I needed a distraction. They have held me when I needed comfort. They have fed me when I wouldn’t eat. Once again, they have given their all for me.

I am actually weeping as I write this post because their unselfish love overwhelms me to this day. I think it’s important to share this discovery with whomever decides to read my little blog. It’s important to say that there are amazing women in this world who are supporting each other and building each other up and putting love and strength out into this universe. Women who are truly investing in their friendships. Who take their character seriously. Who refuse to leave a fellow woman stranded. Who have the guts and overall awesomeness to stop, pick her up, and carry her if need be until she can walk on her own again.

These are the women I am proud to call my friends and sisters. These are the gifts God has given me. These are the blessings that continue to rain down upon me. This is leading and loving by example. I am humbled by them, encouraged by them, and uplifted by them.

John 15:12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”