Today, I ended an eight year love affair.
With 65 women.
I’ve had the privilege of leading these women in Bible study, every Thursday morning, for four of these last eight years.
And today, we closed that chapter of my life, together, amidst much hooting and howling, coffee and Quiche, tears and hugs.
As Sweetman and I prepare to move our family on to a church that is closer to where we live, I’ve been focused on closing out my time with these women.
These are truly my peeps. They are the girls who, from 25 to 85, totally get me. And love me anyway. They not only love on me, but on each other, and on their community. We dig into God’s Word like starving children, each week, and pray with a love so fierce that it can bring us to tears. We also drink coffee (or tea). A lot. And laugh… even more!
They made me wear this this morning, for crying out loud:
Y’all, it was H.A.R.D. to give a heartfelt goodbye talk in this!
It could have been an incredibly stressful week, but it wasn’t.
I’ve been focusing on the fact that God is bigger. He is bigger than a sad goodbye or a new Hello. He’s bigger than any unsteady emotions or uncertain futures. He’s bigger than a depression that threatens to creep in and steal joy.
God. Is. Bigger.
And I am resting in that today.
Yes, indeedy.
Missindeedy 
Aw, what a blessing to have such a rich group of women pouring into you, and you them! I know God will reward you for your faithfulness and obedience. Can’t wait to hear what’s next for you!
You are one of MY biggest cheerleaders – thank you, Monica. You encourage my heart.
I needed that reminder. It seems like God is closing a door to something so good, when in reality He is preparing us for something much better!
You and me both! It’s easy to spill out, harder to let seep in.
wow, eight years…praying God comforts you and them as saying “good-bye” is never easy…blessings to you 🙂
Thank you Dolly! They truly never are.
So beautifully said!
Thanks sweet friend.
Ahh – that makes me a little choked up. Good byes are never easy…
do you know I accidentally typed “God-byes” … that seems more appropriate, doesn’t it 🙂
It most certainly does, Rebecca Jo. It most certainly does.
Is it time for the next inRL yet? Seriously, girl. I don’t think I can wait to meet you and share some coffee & quiche & tears & hugs & laughter. You are amazing! I had no idea you led a Bible study of so many women. It sounds absolutely incredible! Praying for you and your Sweetfamily as you move where God would lead you. Yes, God is bigger and He’s got plans for you, sweet friend. Keep resting in His truth…
Oh, and… digging into God’s Word like starving children? Oh my, I almost spit out my coffee with that one. That was great!!!
Me neither – we’re tapped out on “travel” for this year, but girl, I’ve got a bed waiting!
Oh, Missy, praying for you this morning, sweet sister! It is so hard to leave a church home, but being obedient to the LORD is more important!! ❤ ❤ ❤
All week I've had these lyrics in my head: "God is bigger than the boogie man.He's bigger than Godzilla,or the monsters on TV. Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man.And He's watching out for you and me." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WYknq2Us9Y
Thank you Pat. Thank you buckets! He really is bigger than any Goodbye Boogieman, ever! 😉
Eight years-wow. So many lives have been touched and changed, Missy. May you find as many blessings in your new church!
Kim, you are such an encouraging heart. Thank you!
Missy, I love your perspective here. And that shirt…Oh indeedy! Bless you heaps my friend 🙂
Hee. Praying blessings right back over you, Lizzy! And, thank you, friend.
That is tough…it sounds like they are an awesome group of women!! I mean, how can you not love people with such a keen sense of humor?! 🙂 These are the friendships that are forever and ever.
Right?!? Although, when our Pastor walked in to say a goodbye, but turned right around and walked out, I’d say we were all wishing the humor weren’t so “keen”. 😉
oh that is priceless… well at least you can say you preached in a bikini!
sounds like it was a beautiful moment though! all the best for the future adventures!
‘Zactly what I was thinking. 😉 Thank you!!