By Brenna Wiegand
We call ourselves the Lifesavers.
We’ve laughed, cried, prayed and taken many field trips.
The four of us have been meeting every week for a dozen years, sharing breakfast, maybe a reading and the details of our lives – and take it all to prayer before we part.
“Our hearts are really knit together and we bear each other’s burdens,” my friend Mindy said. “It’s a safe place. By just praying together and reading Scripture together I’ve learned new ways of communicating with God. …All that has really changed me up.”
Like the flowers in my garden, each of my friends has her own beauty, grace and purpose.
bodies – neighbors are kind enough for that –
but to do the like office for our spirits.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Mindy Myers delves into people’s lives and is always shaking things up, leaving little miracles in her wake. She passionately and intuitively orchestrates the kids’ program at our church. Like me, she loves being outside working up a sweat in her yard.
Julie Tourtellotte is contemplative, gentle and has been the favorite teacher – ever – of many a student. She is insightful and sings like a bird. When the former Portland Opera soprano lets her voice soar, chills run down my spine.
Karen Martin is a gifted pianist, the kindest nurse possessing a logical mind and tender heart. She’s a Roth of the basketball division. She’s patient and gives people the benefit of the doubt and leads a support group for young mothers who look forward to it.
“Through thick and thin we have shared our stories; our lives and walked through many joys and struggles,” Karen said. “To have friends who are committed to me – and vice versa even when it is obvious that some things could really use improvement – is huge. I realize how much growing, changing and healing I have experienced because of Lifesavers.”
My friends know – without asking – where my coffee cups and forks are and I’ve become more comfortable about having people over. When my son Geoff died five years ago, my Lifesavers moved in and took charge.
Being sharpened “as iron on iron” isn’t always pleasant, but those who love you tell you the truth about yourself, even when it’s scary to give – or get.
“If I were to describe our small group with one label, it would be ‘Reality Check,’” Julie said. “This is a safe place where I can speak with complete honesty – the good, the bad and the ugly – and know that I will receive honesty, grace and support for growing in my life with the Lord. Most precious to me is the trust; the confidentiality I feel within this group.”
I was 5 years old when a neighbor boy solemnly held out something imaginary, cradled carefully in his dirty hands.
“Here, I give you my friendship,” he said. I took it, for I could almost see the grand vessel.
We’re the crew, united in cause, navigating life’s storms and soaking in the sunny days.
so one man sharpens another.”
– Proverbs 27:17
“It’s nice when we’re in a pleasant season but we rarely are,” Mindy said. “The Bible says a cord of three strands is not easily broken. We really need to entwine each other to stay strong because sometimes the cord is going to be pulled pretty hard.”
Should a sudden squall throw somebody overboard, we throw her three Lifesavers. And that is the comfort of having such wonderful friends, knowing whatever happens, I will stay afloat.
