They met in college in the late eighties, eighteen-year-olds from three different states. All a part of the same larger friend group at a small southern girls’ school. They kept in touch throughout the years, rekindling once a year at the beach or mountains with the larger group. And it was good, some might even call special. But it wasn’t precious, life-sustaining, deep.
Until about four or five years ago. It began with one text. From one friend. To five others. Those friends “M’Lynn” knew would be on their knees with her to pray for an issue heavy on her heart. The others might not even remember what it was. But that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that a deeper, anointed relationship between these six woman was born.
And that is what this blog is about: the anointed friendship of six southern women. It calls to mind the play/movie Steel Magnolias. No matter how many times I watch that movie, I can’t help but weep. It is a friendship that we all crave, the embodiment of the love that pours out from our Savior. Those who we call our tribe, our people.
As one who watches these six women, I see what they mean to each other. And I see how each of these women (at least a little bit) embodies each of the characters of Steel Magnolias. So for the sake of privacy, I will use the monikers of M’Lynn, Shelby, Truvy, Annelle, Ouiser, and Clairee when sharing their memoirs of friendship.
These steel magnolias have given me permission to tell their stories, joys and heartaches - and how they love, support and care deeply for each other. Their prayer requests and praises. Their tears, their (sometime inappropriate) laughter, their girlish squeals of delight when they are together.
Theirs is a journey of Christian womanhood, that journey that relies on not only their relationship with their Father, but also each other.
I invite you to be a part...
