Ingra & Me
I sat in the back of the church feeling more alone than I had in years. I was tired of hanging with my Negative Nancy friends. I missed and yearned for Godly friends to be a part of my everyday life again.
The prayer request card was in my hand and that still small voice prompted me to fill it out. I wrote the words my heart felt.
“I need to find more Christian friends. My work hours make it hard for me to be in a small group. I yearn to have more fellowship with women.”
I had thought about holding the prayer request card but I released it.
Then an introduction video came on. I hadn’t been to church in a few weeks so I wasn’t aware of the series was called “One Another”. To my surprise the video was an interview of two women talking about how they were feeling lonely and wanting to have more friends. A tear started rolling down my face because those women were talking about things I was feeling.
God heard my cry that day, let me tell you how he answered my prayer
Friendships that had drifted away started to be rekindled. Forgiveness was given. Facebook friends started asking deeper questions and checking in to see how I was doing. People started sharing how God used me to impact their lives. God was reminding me through various ways who he created me to be.
And then God sent me 99 new friends through the God Size Dream Team. Our community quickly started praying for each other and cheering each other on.
Then Holley took it up another notch and asked us to buddy up. Find someone to pray for and someone to pray for you. And then my fear of being lonely again creep back in.
What if no one picks me?
What if they skip over my name?
Then I see the words “I want to be your buddy Delonna Gibbs”
There is something POWERFUL in being claimed.
God sent me two amazing women to share this journey with. The first person is Kimberly @ Hearts for Hannah. Kimberly and I both have a heart for adoption. We both work in education and have a heart for the children in Africa. She is currently doing a book drive for Africa Reads program. If you would like to get involved please visit her website (http://heartsforhannah. blogspot.com)
God also sent me Jennifer @ You Are My Girls. Jennifer is another former educator who blogs about the importance of community and how much God loves to commune with us. She writes so eloquently. Her words speak directly to your heart as she reminds you daily that YOU ARE LOVED. The exciting part is she is working on writing a book. I can’t wait to get lost in the pages. Go sign up for her emails at (http://youaremygirls.com). I promise you won’t regret it.
But the most precious gift God gave me was amazing week with my cousin Ingra. We are two months apart and are more like sisters than cousins. We spent most of our summers together as children. When she called to see if she could come out for the Inauguration I quickly told her to book the flight.
During her visit I had the chance to share with her my God size dream and encourage her to follow hers. After an afternoon of working through Holley’s “Do What You Can Plan” book, Ingra spoke the words of heart and her God size dream …. she wanted to own her bakery.
Once she freely spoke of her dream we started brainstorming on ways she could encourage her dream right now. Which gave birth to the quest for the perfect cupcake in DC and creation of I Bake Sweets blog.
I was there when the BIGGEST smile came on her face when she hit the publish button.
She was living her dream.
Go show her some love at (http://ibakesweets.wordpress.com)
I love how God gives in abundance. He could have sent me just one friend but instead God sent me a community. God does not desire for us to be alone but to be loved in a community.
loved this. what a beautiful post dreamer!
Thank you Jenn. It means a lot to hear those words. Thank for you for reading the post and stopping by fellow dreamer.
Wow! I can so relate to EVERYTHING about this post! I love the people God has brought into your life. I was also paired up with Kimberly this week…she’s amazing. I’m SO glad God brought all of us together! You’ve been such a sweet blessing in my life, dear friend
And behind her beaming smile, Lily says to tell you “Hi.”
I am super pumped that God has brought amazing women like you and Kimberly in my life. Tell Ms. Lily I said “Hey Girl”
How cool that you could be there to encourage another dreamer! (And that it involved cupcakes – the best dreams always involve cupcakes! Ha!) LOVE THAT! : )
LOL – I agree cupcakes dreams are the best
If you ever make it to DC you definitely need to check out Georgetown Cupcake for sure.
Though I know better, there are still times I’m completely overwhelmed when God reminds that He cares about every part of our lives, friendships included! So thankful to hear your words, Delonna, and so pumped to be a dream-sister-friend!
Awww – thanks Anne. I am so glad that God has brought such amazing women in life. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post wonderful dreamer
Next time I come to DC we are totally getting together for cupcakes. In the meantime, I’m giving the information to my Gayle who networks like a monster AND has two in elementary school. They do cupcakes. They also worship at From the Heart….they’ve got a school and lots of cupcake eaters. How exciting. TGBTG!
I am TOTALLY up for another cupcake quest
Thanks for passing along the info to your friend but cousin lives in CA. So unfortunately for me she will not have a shop here. Maybe for my hips – that’s a good thing.