Today’s post comes from a long-time, dear friend and my running partner, Jen Gusey. Jen lives in Michigan with her husband and 4 children where she spends most of her time homeschooling her kids and serving in her local church. She also enjoys gardening, long distance running and drinking coffee with friends. She has recently developed a passion for photography and has contributed photo blogs to Our Circle of Friends Ministries.
Out of the Darkness
One warm summer evening I went for a couple mile run to try to clear the negative thoughts from my mind. As I walked back down my driveway I dropped to my knees, not out of exhaustion from the run, but out of desperation. My thoughts and anxiety had grown to the point that I could no longer bear them. Negative thoughts consumed me. I felt like I had reached rock bottom, and I couldn’t rise above it. I cried out to God to rescue me from this deep, dark pit of depression.
One year later, I can look back and see how God pulled me out of that pit. One way He rescued me was by placing special people in my life. One particular friend reached out to me in a variety of ways. She often sent a text with an encouraging scripture or even just a “<3”. It was always just what I needed. On numerous occasions, she met me at the coffee shop and listened as I cried and poured my heart out and cried and vented and cried. She was incredibly patient with me. I usually ended our conversations by apologizing for being “so needy.” She always replied, “Stop apologizing!” (She meant it too!) She never let on that she was tired of hearing about my problems, even though I’m sure I was quite a “Debbie Downer.” After every conversation, she prayed with me and hugged me. She would even say, “I’m proud of you. You are stronger than you think.” I didn’t believe her, but I appreciated the words.
Slowly, I could feel myself climbing out of the darkness. Eventually, I worked through and overcame many of my struggles. God used friends, godly parents and His Word to rescue me from the negativity and anxiety. And in the end, I WAS stronger.
Ultimately it was the Lord that rescued me from that pit of despair. I give all the glory to Him. But He chose to work in me by bringing special people into my life to nudge me forward. I’m thankful those people answered His call to walk with me through those despairing times.
God didn’t intend for us to travel through this life alone. He wants us to enjoy the encouragement and fellowship of good friends. With our Heavenly Father as our guide, we can walk along the path of life together. Sometimes we help each other out of a pit or carry each other through difficult obstacles. Other times we can embrace and celebrate the victories along the way.
We were meant journey through this life together.
These are just the kind of friends we need!
So true!
Beautiful story Jen…God does provide for ALL of our needs, often in the way of good friends…”Jesus with skin on” as the author Mary Karr says…Thank you for sharing.