As time goes on, many of the details from that tragic day have faded and I’m sure some of that is to help ease the pain. What I do remember is how those friends stepped up and showed out that day. To be perfectly honest, I’m sure they would have rather been ran over by a freight train then waiting on our stillborn baby to be born. Heck, I didn’t want to be there either! It was a Friday night and those three friends who had jobs and families chose to be at the hospital with me. They each drove 1 hour and two of them drove a total of 3 hours after driving back to my house to gather stuff and bring it back to the hospital. When life knocks the breath of you, you need your tribe and luckily for me on March 8, 2014, some of my tribe showed up & showed out.
Showing up can be the best gift you can give a friend or loved one. Romans 12:15 reminds us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” 1 Corinthians 12:26 tells us “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” I promise that friends truly grieve with you and celebrate with you as well. Sometimes social media makes it appear like we have tons of “friends”; however, when the going gets tough, many of those “friends” become crickets.
Having a ton of friends does not always equal help in a time of need. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I am blessed to have several true friends in my life who are like family, and goodness gracious they must really love me to continue to show up and show out for me!
