God knew it from the beginning.
We met in junior high. Four girls from different backgrounds, but very much the same. After graduation, I moved to a land far far away. Okay, it was only 500 miles, but it sure seemed farther. We kept in touch as best as we could in the midst of marriages, families, jobs, and lives.
Our love was deep. One another love.
The year of our “Big 5-0”, we spent a week together in the Sunshine State. Immediately, time melted away and we were once again school girls catching up. We adopted the nickname “Fabs” and when the week came to an end, we Fabs promised to get together again soon.
Have you ever looked back at a time in your life and thought, Boy, I’m glad I didn’t know what was ahead? Me too. God’s mercy is amazing, isn’t it?
Back in my world, my mama was dying. She was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer during a “routine” check-up a few days after her birthday. Four months later, I was planning her funeral. It was an orphan moment. Mama and I had been inseparable since Daddy died when I was 23. And although I knew that she was cancer-free and forever with her Jesus, I still felt very much alone.
Yet, in reality, that wasn’t the case at all. My wonderful husband never left my side throughout the weeks of Mama’s hospice. In fact, he has never left my side in over 20 years of marriage. But in the sorrow of that season, nothing could replace the big piece of empty in my heart.
The day before Mama’s calling hours, one of the Fabs called to say she and her husband were coming. I told her they didn’t need to, but I didn’t mean it and they didn’t listen. When we arrived at their hotel, I discovered that two of Fab’s sisters had made the trip as well. As we all gathered together for a group hug, words weren’t needed. Their love was a blanket around my weary soul.
One another love.
The funeral home was buzzing. People who adored my Mama were everywhere, sharing sweet memories. Fab, her husband, and sisters were within my sight as I stood with my husband on the invisible “family line” by the casket. Yet, I still felt like I was in a silo.
Have you ever felt so absorbed in the sorrow that you couldn’t see beyond the tears? Hang on, friend. Love is nearer than you think.
Suddenly, I glimpsed the back of a familiar looking head in the doorway. When the person turned towards me, I saw that it was another Fab along with her husband. I’m not sure what I screamed as I ran their way, tears streaming, but we hugged big. And as we were hugging, more familiar faces walked in. It was the third Fab and her mama! I couldn’t contain the waterworks nor the overflow of unexpected love in my heart.
One another love.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. (1 John 4:7)
When one another love shows up, it is knee bending. It’s a beautiful gift from the One who created all love. The One who loved us first and loves us best. The One who wants us to share His love with, well, you know…
Abba Father, may we see as You see and do as You do. Please remind us to spread some one another love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
The Fabs are such a great metaphor for the surrounding and showing-up love of God! I’m so thankful that you’ve shared this experience, particularly at this time. I’m experiencing the same kind of love and support from my friends this week as I walk through the passing of my own mum. Amazing how God times these pieces to connect like puzzle pieces with our hearts.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Michele,
I am so sorry for the passing of your mom. I don’t want to say anything trite or cliche….just know I am praying for God’s arms of love to surround you and comfort you as you grieve your precious loss. I know it’s an empty place that just can’t be filled, but people can love you through it. Praying God’s scripture over you: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” John 14:18
Love and ((hugs)),
Bev
Michele Morin says
Thanks, Bev. What a perfect verse to share.
((Hugs)) back to you!
Tina says
Oh Michele,
I’m so sorry about the passing of your Mum. I’m praying sweet comfort for you, dear one, and grateful that you have “one another love” friends around you. Big hugs and thanks for sharing your heart. XO
Thalia in Jamaica says
Michelle (& Tina), may the love of our Lord continue to guide you and surround you and illuminate your life in a very dark time. We not know each other, but in this space are women who feel and pray. We feel your sorrow and pray with you. This too will pass and the good memories, shared laughter and unconditional love and acceptance will remain until you can embrace your Mama again in Paradise. Yours in joy, Thalia in Jamaica
Tina says
Your words brought great joy to my heart, Thalia. Thanks for that beautiful reminder of seeing my Mama again in Paradise, Hallelujah! Hugs to you! XO
Penny says
Michele,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Mom. I understand how painful of a loss it can be.
I pray that with time the Lord fills you with joyful memories, and helps you overcome your sorrow.
Blessings to you,
Penny
Beth Williams says
Michele,
So sorry for the loss of your mum. May God surround you with His loving arms. I pray for peace to wash over you and into your soul. May God send people to help you through this time!
Blessings 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Tina,
So true that funerals are not for the ones who have gone on….they, hopefully, are in a much better place free of pain and suffering and with Jesus. For those of us left behind, oh how we need our Fabs and our friends and our community of believers to surround us and help us walk, step by step, through the arduous days ahead. Yes, seeing friendly faces in our grief can be knee-bending. Thank you for sharing that we might all be reminded to surround and love on those who are grieving.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Tina says
Amen, Bev! May we always remember to share “one another love”, especially to those who have hurting hearts. Bless you! XO
Michele says
Tina~beautiful words of friendship-family-love. God calls us to love one another the same as He loves us. Your “fabs” filled the family gap of aloneness that you felt as you said good-bye to your best friend. How blessed you are to have beautiful fab friends who can hold your hand in the missing.
Tina, I think you experienced a little glimpse of heaven that day. Just imagine you walking into the “reception hall of heaven” and looking over to see your mama running to you as the joyful streams run down her face. Oh, such a site of love.
I am so proud of you, my friend. Your words are beautiful and moving. Thank you for sharing your heart with us today. Big love, sis. Big love.
Tina says
You touched my heart with your beautiful love words, Michele…more than you know. Thanks for sharing “one another love” with me, sister. You’re a blessing to me! Big love XO
Lori Butler says
Beautiful!
Tina says
Grateful heart hugs to you, Lori! XO
Anji Budzynski says
Tina, this was so beautiful to read. My heart strings were pulled tight from the love shared here. I am sorry for the loss of your mama, I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. The incredible love you described is just a small taste of the immense love we will experience in Heaven. May you always bask in that unconditional love as you love that well on others. Let us all practice one another love abundantly until Jesus comes to walk us home.
Tina says
I’m so sorry that you’ve experienced the loss of a parent as well, Anji. Just think of what an awesome reunion we’ll have with them someday in Glory! WOW. Thanks for sharing “one another love” with me today. You’re a God gift, my friend. XO
Sallie McGee says
Again, tears in my eyes because it so beautiful and so true. You have an amazing way with words. Your words always come from the heart and me am much to many.
Tina says
Thanks for your encouragement, Miss Sallie! Sending “one another love” your way, girlfriend. XO
ME says
Wow! That is awesome! It’s so close home as I’m dealing with some deep grief over several very very close to my heart people. We know they are in heaven, but it’s our loss we sorrow for. How much greater would be the grief of not knowing they were saved???? May you and all who have lost loved ones feel Jesus’ arms at this difficult time! PRAYERS
Tina says
I’m sorry for the grief you’ve been experiencing, ME. Praying for Jesus comfort and peace and “one another love” to surround you. Blessings XO
Mary says
True love never fails. I got a texted from a childhood friend just last night and it brought back so many good memories of our friendship. It is so good to stay in touch wherever you are in life. With the miles between us, we get together only it seems at our families funerals. So when I get a text I am so thankful for the love we carry for each other.
Tina says
I love hearing that you got that text from your childhood friend, Mary! So awesome. Miles can’t separate love between friends. Bless you XO
Penny says
Tina,
I am sorry for your loss. This really was beautiful, what a blessing your friends are. Thank-you for sharing how God’s love shines through at a time of sorrow.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Tina says
Your note encouraged my heart today, Penny. Thank you and bless you! XO
Stephanie says
So sorry for the loss of your mom Tina! Thank you for sharing your heart. Xoxoxo ❤️
Tina says
Thank you, sweet Stephanie, for touching my heart! XO
Cindi Serfes says
Thank you Tina for sharing your heart with us! I am very, very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, knowing how close you were with her it had to be a very difficult journey. Thank Gid for the Fabs and their role in your life – praying for healing and Gidd arms if love wrapped around you!!
Tina says
Thanks, dear Cindi. It was quite a journey with Mama, but I pray my story brings sweet comfort to others in that same season. Hugs and blessings to you! XO
Cindi Serfes says
Belated Happy Birthday
Theresa Boedeker says
What a beautiful picture of friends standing in the gap.
Tina says
“Standing in the gap”…YES, Theresa! Thanks for that beautiful reminder. Blessings to you! XO
Rebecca L Jones says
Sending you some one another love, I like the verse and phrase. I too, am sorry for your loss.
Tina says
Thanks, Rebecca. Felt that “one another love” and sending it back to you as well! Bless you! XO
Nan says
Tina, As always, your words are beautiful…you touch my heart. I know
your Mama is smiling down on you.
Thank you for sharing your love.
Tina says
Grateful for the “one another love” we share, Nan. Bless you, encourager of my heart! XO
Beth Williams says
Tina,
So sorry for the loss of you mom. Praise God for your fab friends. They showed God’s love to you in a hard time. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story of true friendship and love, Losing loved ones is never easy, but thankful for family and friends who show up with love.
Blessings 🙂
Tina says
Praising God with you, Beth, for fab friends who show love and a Heavenly Father who is LOVE. 🙂 Blessings and hugs! XO
Peggy says
Tina, you write so beautifully and your message is so clear. I have been fortunate in that I have not experienced such profound loss as my folks are still with us. But I do know about “one another love”. Over the years, dear friends have lifted me up and supported me as I went through difficult times with a troubled child. No matter what they were there for me regardless of the situation. Since I know your friends, there’s no doubt that they were there for you in your time of need.
Tina says
Oh Peggy, I’m grateful for your sweet words of encouragement. We are blessed to have “one another love” friends, aren’t we? 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing…big hugs to you! XO