Almost two years ago, I read a beautiful post on my friend Lysa’s blog that impressed my heart deeply. Every day, sometimes several times a day, the Lord has brought this to my mind. He has used it to refine me, purify me, convict me and encourage me. I am so thankful.
“One day Holly gave me a unique gift that made my heart feel forever safe with her. Though it wasn’t costly to her, it wound up being priceless to me. She committed to me that she would never say anything dishonoring about me ever. It was actually more than just a commitment to me, it was a covenant promise she’d made with God. I can’t even express what peace this brought to my heart. It’s not that I feared my other friends were gossiping about me. I did not. And I can’t say that my other friends wouldn’t make this same promise. They probably would. But Holly verbalized this commitment in a very bold way. A way that has defined our friendship and built a beautiful trust that is rare between women.”
Have you said something to dishonor a friend? Or have you dishonored a friend by NOT speaking up on their behalf when you could have? Has your body language (rolling eyes, etc.) dishonored a friend? Ask for forgiveness from that friend. Make a covenant before the Lord and verbalize it boldly to your friend(s). Your covenant before the Lord and priceless gift to your friend will build “a beautiful trust that is rare between women.”
Daily the Lord uses Holly’s beautiful expression of love, loyalty and friendship in my life. Daily. I am encouraged, challenged and convicted. Thank you, Holly! I pray HE blesses you to full and overflowing! Your obedience has touched my life in ways I’ll never be able to express. Love you!
Lord, one of the purest ways I can honor You is by not dishonoring one of Your children.
Unknown says
I love this Sharon, Thank you
Love Nicol
Unknown says
BEAUTIFUL!
I love this too Sharon!
Hugs and much love,
Jill
Joyful says
Oh Sharon, the words of that post have forever stayed with me…and…as well…the impact Holly has had on my life. I too have used her example and made a similar promise to uphold that beautiful trust that is rare among women.
Thanks for sharing this again. Holly is a very special friend and an example of a woman pursuing the heart of God.
Blessings,
Joy
Unknown says
I remember that post. I enjoyed meeting both those gals at She Speaks and treasure reading their posts.
Mich says
Love this.
Happy Wednesday!
Sarah says
This is wonderful! What a beautiful gift to give and receive.
Hugs from the desert,
Sara
LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says
So very true Sharon and I love the way Holly made this known to Lysa. I treasure my friends who I know without a shadow of a doubt honor me in this way.
sdas says
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Heather says
When we speak of precious gifts, this is truly one of them. This post, Sharon makes me even more mindful that I want to be an encourager, a spirit that lifts not deflates. Truly, in our friendships, it should be a safe zone. Thank you for this beautiful reminder that even the roll of our eyes can dishonor people we love. What a treasure to hide this deep in our hearts that we not forget the covenant, spoken or unspoken that exists among friends.
Love you!
Heather