good bye is a hard word to say!

Having many one-on-one times over coffee, cupcakes, lunch, brunch and whatever else women think to do.  Saying good-bye over and over to people I love. Friends. Colleagues. Clients. People who have come to "live" in every room in my relational house.   

Grateful for friends. For the privilege of knowing so many women who should have books written about them.  Last night, got to introduce two friends to each other - one, a gifted "D/C" on the DISC inventory. Successful executive. bringer-of-order-into-chaos.  The other, an S/I on the same inventory is a bringer-of-life-and-joy into every situation. Like one of those folks who carries the Olympic torch from city to city, she carries HOPE and worship wherever she goes.  Both women are single moms. Both raising beautiful, smart, creative children alone.  Both are witnesses to me of the power of finding and being who you are.  Of walking away from abuse into LIFE. 

This was just the end of a single day of being amazed by the women I know. Talking with my friend-and-sister MaryBeth about an ever-expanding vision for using art to help people heal. Hearing my friend Donna talk about the book she's researching, writing, and illustrating. My beloved Lorita as she loves and enjoys two grandchildren who have autism challenges every single day!  Then, updates from one friend who is creating a stunningly beautiful wedding venue out of her parents' old barn  and another who is integrating healing prayer and "brain spotting" to help trauma survivors recover and replace painful memories with JOY.

Finally, hearing from the Because Justice Matters roaring lions (yep, they might look like beautiful, young, vibrant women....but really they are roaring lions in disguise)....that they sold 100 tickets to the women's center/BJM October 4th fundraiser in a single afternoon!

I want to rent a billboard that says "Hey, sisters.  Take a LOOK at your friends. Just bask in the wonder of the women on your smart phone speed dial! Tell them how wonderful they are. How they have blessed and loved and helped to shape your heart and vision. Say thank you.  Say "I love you!" 

and to quote one of my favorite fictional characters, Chet-the-Jet, hero and point of view character of the not-exactly-cerebral but make-me-laugh Chet and Bernie mysteries...."Just when you think [your friend] can't be more amazing, [they] amaze you again!"