Deidra Riggs
About the Author

Deidra is a national speaker and the author of Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are, and One: Unity in a Divided World. Follow Deidra on Instagram @deidrariggs

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Deidra, As I read each word, the image of my friends came in front me, so very much a light to me as you describe. I am blessed, here in these suburbs, because I have one dazzling smile in each of the areas where I spend my time: Church, school and the baseball fields. And no matter where I’ve been, and how it’s gone, I know the day is going to be better, just because they are going to be there! Thank you for reminding me today!

  2. Deidra,
    God is pounding this in my head and heart right now. Yesterday my best friend wrote something for me to write down for myself to help me get through Mother’s Day that is quickly approaching. I do not have a relationship with my mother by her choice. I finally faced that last year with 8 months of counseling after supressing it for about 9 years. This year the holidays, birthdays etc all seem to have a deeper sting to them. We didn’t prepare for birthdays back in March and I backslid into depression very hard. So for Mother’s Day she is helping me face it, acknowledge the hurt, accept what will never be and move past it. Not hide it, not ignore it but face it. What this friend wrote is really a prayer for me to say to God and this sentence really spoke to me: “So on this weekend, I choose instead to focus on the women who have made a difference in my life: Aunt Phyllis, Roni, Betty. I am thankful that you have given them to me to show me that I can be loved in a nurturing and unconditional way and this does not have to come from my mother to make it real and powerful in my life.”

    God placed some great women in my life who are amazing example of Christ’s love. This is why they shine so brightly!

    Lisa

    • Isn’t it just like God to fill us up where we’re lacking? He has provided amazing women to fill in the gaps for you! I’m rejoicing right along with you, Lisa! So thankful that you’ve shared this. And…I will be thinking of you this Sunday as you make your way through Mother’s Day. I pray that the Light will shine bright for you!

  3. This is beautiful. The friends that light up my world shine by being fully there. Encouragers who love me in spite of my faults. They pick me up when I’m down and celebrate with me when the time comes. I only hope to be as much of a friend to them.

  4. Deidra,

    My daughters as I watch them in the scenes you have so beautifully described. My daughters grown are now wonderful friends.

    Andrea and Ginny are the other two that come to mind. They pray for me, support me, encourage me, love me well and they are always available in person, by e-mail, text or phone! God indeed knew I needed them!

  5. I have SO many ladies in my life that I could list here, but here are just a few: Donna (her hugs alone are a ministry!), Vickie (my great encourager), Kelly (such passion for others), Janet (my best friend who always knows just when I need an “I love you!”), Courtney (spiritual guide and nudger), and my sweet grandma Ruth (who prayed to God for me on her own deathbed and whom I can’t wait to hug again!)

  6. Their sweet prayers and they way they make my laugh! I am truly blessed. Loved this post.

    blessings on your day

  7. I know this woman named Deidra…and I once went on a trip to Alabama with her. One of the first things I noticed was how beautifully gracious and friendly and kind she was to every single person she came in contact with, from the guy who checked our licenses at airport security to the receptionist behind the hotel desk. Deidra, YOU bring out the very best in everyone around you — and YOU make me want to be a friendlier, kinder, more smiley person. Thank you. YOU are grace.

  8. I have a very dear friend who came into my life when I wasn’t able to trust anyone due to a former friend’s betrayal. But my new friend has been such a blessing. We meet every other Tuesday to talk, pray, and encourage each other. It’s so important to have at least one person to be real with!

  9. This is strange, but one good friend is my husband’s EX-Mother-in-Law. She and I can sit and talk about anything and everything. We even do yard sales together.
    Marie is a true prayer warrior and friend.

    Some other friends include women at Blue Springs Christian Church. We do a Bible studies two times a year. I have gotten to really know and love those women.

  10. This is such a beautiful post. 🙂

    I love the women I’ve met through blogging. It’s such a blessing to have friends who are willing to read my thoughts and share theirs as well. The blogging world can be a scary place…but also one full of encouragement and love.

    I love the women in my weekly Bible study. I met them at a difficult time in life…my hubby and I had just had our first baby, we had just moved back to the States from Asia, and we were new to the area. I just needed friends to support me and love me, and they did just that. Kris, Alison, Karen, Carrie, Kirsten, Melanie, Sarah, Katy, Lori, Judy…they each add something different to my life, but I love them all. 🙂

  11. Friends that tell me they will never leave me no matter how difficult the road ahead(pushing away my dark thoughts of being left alone to handle my circumstances). She listens to me vent and allows me to be unveiled without fear and speaks the gospel over me when there are no more words. One friend pushes me to run and talks to me about daily things and doesn’t dwell on the crisis at hand-as if all of life will remain a tragedy. She helps me find the one thing I can be thankful for in the midst of so much unknown. She brings me flowers in a blue vase, a cd of beautiful music, and a smile …on a day that she didn’t know how much I needed someone to lift my head. She pulls me into the light and is brave enough to speak truth to me and uncover the lies. She calls and risks going beyond casual converstation to ask that all to often avoided question,”How are you, really?” I am so thankful for the grace that is has been given to me in my friendships with women.

  12. So as soon as I clicked here, I looked at your picture and not only knew this post would be about friendship, but I also began missing several of my friends. The women in my life who really shine are funny and jump-out-in-front-of-a-car loyal and real.

  13. Dear Deidra,

    I was just scrolling through some old e-mails and came across your bio and the story “What To Do With The Wilderness.” You talk about a God-send! Our Father knows what we need, when we need it and how to get it to us. It seems I have been in a wilderness for several years now.

    I am praying, fasting and reading God’s Word. Of course, I could and should be more diligent. However, it is only by His Grace that I am not consumed. I know there is a writing ministry in me that needs to come forth. It has been a desire of mine even in my younger years. I have grumbled and complained about my wilderness experience(s) but after reading your article I feel the need to share those experiences with others, especially my sisters.

    Thank you for allowing God to use you to share with us that we “need to face our wilderness.” I realize now that I have had my back to the wilderness, not wanting to go into uncharted, unfamiliar territory, not wanting to give up my comfort zone. I must start today taking the steps to go on through the wilderness, it’s definitely not going any where. The progress I make is left up to me and with God’s help I know I will make it and be a blessing to others as you have been to me.

    Be Encouraged and Be Blessed, my sister. Let God continue to use you mightily. To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done!