Last night the creator of this video above and one of her friends upon whom the movie is based came to our ward enrichment to present this video to our Relief Society. I asked them to show the video as a thank you to my ward sisters.
The video is a representation of the true stories of four friends who help each other through some very trying times in their lives. These trials bring these friends together as they serve each other. I saw the video for the first time about 2 years ago in California. I left thinking "Who has friends like that?"
Over the last three months I have discovered that I have lots and lots of friends like that. These are the types of friendships forged in the furnace of the Refiner's fire. They are deep meaningful and filled with charity. I have found those friendships with neighbors, old friends, new friends, and many many strangers. I have found these friendships do not depend on age, marital status, or life stage. They are only founded on love and service.
I am so grateful for all the sisters in my ward and neighborhood who have loved and supported and prayed for us. Especially since so few of them even knew me before this happened. I am equally grateful for so many incredible friends from my past who do know me well and resurfaced to lend love and support through this low time.
I hope all of you know, whether you were there last night or not, that I love and appreciate you. Even those of you I don't know very well. I have felt the support of your prayers and love.
If you get a chance to see Hands of Heaven, you should. It is available to purchase HERE. Thank you to Kathryn Turley for creating it. It gave me a reference point to cling to as I have traveled down this thorny path of loss. May we all find deep, meaningful relationships through service of and with other women in our lives.
11 comments:
Wow, Stephanie. I've never heard of that movie, but it sounds wonderful. I'm so glad you've found "friends like that". And that they've been instruments in the hands of God in pouring forth His love to you.
I would have loved to be there to feel the love and support of women in that room. I remember discussing Hands of Heaven with you after it was shown in California and commenting with you about how blessed those women were to have each other. Through all of the sadness of seeing you lose Camille the one bright spot for me has been reading on your blog about the amazing support you have received from so many friends. To me it is evidence that your Heavenly Father is watching over you.
That movie is really touching I saw it in California a few years ago too. That is good to know that you can purchase it! I just want to say that I am so touched by the things you write on your blog. I read it all of the time and am so impressed by the things that you and your husband share. You are both amazing!
Stephanie... you are right on. Friends are a gift from our Father- I am so grateful too. Even if friends like you're describing fit on only one of my hands, my cup runs over with love.
Appreciate you taking the time to share... I am praying for you right now.
Julie
Sacramento
stephanie!
I am praying for you sister. My name is Adrienne, and I stumbled upon your blog from another blog. You are in my prayers.
In His Love,
Adrienne
.."For you can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strenghtens you... Phil 4:13
My mother was privileged enough to attend last night's meeting. She told me a little about the movie. She continues to be in awe of your spirit. I, too, am grateful to you and other "friends" who have come along. You have strengthened me and I continue to become better than I was the day before. You give me so much to ponder in the few "quiet moments" that come throughout the day. Thank you.
Stephanie- it was wonderful to finally meet you after reading your blog these past few months. Kelly and I felt so fortunate to be a part of your Enrichment night. The women in your ward brought an amazing spirit of love and sisterhood before the video even started. I think you are an amazing woman and feel lucky to have shared an evening with you.
Take Care,
Kathryn Turley
Stephanie: I'm a little late in responding to you post titled, Secret Journals, but I too enjoy writing. I don't know if I write well, but it really doesn't matter. I write for me. I have always believed a journal is very important. I have my own journal which I call my "soul book" where I write letters to me, to my descendants, and to Heavenly Father. I also have my "Gratitude Book", and this book is for me to find one thing each day I can be thankful for. Sometimes it's something spiritual, sometimes it's ridiculous, but it's honest. Somedays I'm grateful for popcorn, or (shhhh don't tell anyone)Pepsi, and other days it's the temple or the scriptures. It's a fun book.
I wrote a poem a few years ago that I read at Stake Conference. It was on the journal writing:
The poets of old with all their Romance,
In verse were greatly inspired.
With feelings so deep their hearts were filled
With passion, love and desire.
Often they wrote of heros and Villiams,
Or mourning loves they had lost,
But whether their lines were in prose, or in rhythm,
On paper they expressed feelings And thoughts.
We may not have the talent
Of Edgar Allen Poe, and
Maybe even what we write will Never ever be known.
But as I watch a sunset
Ignite the evening sky,
I pull from deep within myself
Words that I must write.
As I walk through temple doors,
And view a Heaven on Earth
It's easy to write what I feel Inside,
For the spirit has filled my heart.
I love to look at paintings,
But an artist I will never be.
How sweet is the sound of music,
But, woe, I cannot sing.
A novel I may never write,
But a line I can begin.
We needn't be Thoreau or Poe
To share what we feel within.
__________________
I think writing is so therapeutic -hence, the reason for your blog. I hope other sisters, will realize that journals are so important and that we do not have to be talented writers and exceptionally articulate to write for ourselves.
Just write.
Have a happy day.
I remember you talking about this movie. I hope to see it one day. People can be truly surprising at times. I think that it is wonderful. There are people who care all around us.
That sounds like a great movie!! I look forward to seeing it:)
Stephanie,
You don't know me, but my sister is Laura Allen in your ward. She has shared your story and blog with me. She just told me about this enrichment and said how amazing it was. What a tender moment to spend with your "sisters". You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for writing and sharing it with "us" out here in the blogging world.
Hugs from Kentucky,
Christa
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