Haven Notes vol. 9
Faithful Friends and Finding Havens
Welcome to Haven Notes! This is a weekly recap of things over the past week that have moved my heart with joy, trial, or blessing and have led me to find havens of rest with the Lord. I never know exactly what will come up here, but I do know the Lord is faithful through it all. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get to it!
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17
Every once in a while, I experience something that is so good, so humbling, and so clearly the work of God’s perfect hands that I have nothing to do but marvel at him. Usually, tears of awe and gratitude are involved. Always, a deep sense of warmth and peace penetrate my heart as I stand back and praise Him for the awesome God that He is.
This week, I had such an experience, and I am delighted to share in hopes that it will encourage and inspire you. As this little ministry has taken shape, the overarching mission has become crystal clear: I am called to write, speak, and encourage women who are like me… a little fragile, a little quirky, a little insecure about fulfilling all the demands placed on me, but a lot confident that I serve a God who is bigger than it all… that is who I am writing for, and that is where I desire so much to share God’s love and light.
The crazy thing is that as I embraced this call on my heart to witness to others, God began slowly placing women in my life who did just that for me. In His wisdom, He knew that this dance of ministering and writing and working for His Kingdom would require that I experience being ministered to myself. I saw so clearly the role of God my Father take shape as he wove women into my story these past few months who have become true light and salt for my soul. As only a good dad can, He is looking out for his daughter, sprinkling seeds to nurture the growth He desires to see happen in me.
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. —2 Timothy 2:1–2
One of these women was in town to speak at my parish this week and I had the privilege of spending some time with her. Claire Dwyer is not only a deeply gifted writer, speaker, and mentor, but she has this quiet and holy presence about her that draws you in. I have witnessed her use this quiet wisdom in so many ways as a Catholic professional in the months I’ve been a member of PraiseWriters, but to spend time with her in person is another experience altogether. The intentionality with which she is working hard for the Kingdom and the call on her heart to share her gifts with others is extraordinary and edifying.
And it lead me bring into focus a truth that has been developing as I continue to cultivate my work with Finding Havens:
We need each other. We make each other better. We, as faithful but oh-so-imperfect Catholic women, are called to live in communion, in person, in real relationship. We are helping each other live in the Light as walk toward Eternity.
Which brings me to the pinch-me moment that happened this week: signing a copy of my book for a mentor of mine who not only supported my journey with the gift of her time and talent (she endorsed it!) but who delighted in receiving it from me. It was a bit much, to be honest. My instant thought pattern was: this is unreal. I am not worthy, not holy enough, not ‘known’ enough to receive this immense blessing.
But then I remembered: oh, right, Lord. This is the point. This is who You are. You are a God who will never be outdone in generosity, and You like to prove it by showing up just like this.
I would have been forever grateful to Claire for taking time to support my work as a colleague and mentor, but I’m even more blessed to know her, learn from her, and walk alongside her as a sister in Christ. Her encouragement and support remind me that women are so generously gifted with the feminine genius that allows us to cheerlead for one another as we labor in the vineyard. She is a haven to me. God be praised.
GOING DEEPER:
Who is a haven to you in your walk with the Lord? Who shines light that penetrates your soul and draws you closer to God?
What friends, past or present, have been seeds on your path that have helped you grow and blossom? How did this impact your faith walk or your particular life struggles at the time?
Send a text or call a friend today to tell her that you love her and are grateful for her. Then spend time thanking God in prayer for the gift of her in your life.