I’m so blessed to have Sharon Srock sharing from her heart today about friendships, how they’ve played a key role in her life and in the creation of her novel, Callie.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
This became one of my favorite verses as I wrote Callie’s story.
The Women of Valley View series focuses on a group of women friends. They love each other, support each other, and stand with each other. But, like any group of women you encounter, there are individual hurts, secrets, and trials, all made easier by the support of those friends.
I’ve experienced this in my own life. There was a time when I thought it was necessary to separate myself from my church family. During that same time circumstances also separated me from the person who had been my best friend and sounding board. I found myself alone, facing the worst trial of my life.
It took a tragedy in my church family to bring me back, to find out that the reasons I left in the first place were all my own. I came to offer support of my own to a circle of friends that I missed more than I could have imagined. They welcomed me back with open arms, and they have supported me through life and death in the years since.
(Marji here. Couldn’t resist adding this music video to Sharon’s devotion. It seemed to go perfectly! Circle of Friends by Point of Grace.)
Once I began to write, I found unmined depths in those forty year old friendships. I don’t think I’d be published today if it weren’t for the encouragement of friends who believed in me, when I didn’t believe in myself.
Your turn: How have your friendships kept you going?
Marji again. I’m so glad that Sharon Srock came back by this week! Her debut women’s fiction novel, Callie, released on the 26th of October and is available from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or the Penguin Website.
And don’t forget to leave a comment here along with your email address so you can be entered in the drawing for her gift basket. You have until November 8, 2012 to enter! The prize is listed below:
A copy of Callie’s story
2012/November at 9:08 pm
I have enjoyed reading this and, I’m here because “Callie Told Me to Come.” I’m glad I did. I’m also hoping to win one of Sharon’s books. I have also subscribed to your site, Maxie Anderson
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2012/November at 6:24 pm
Maxie, great to see you here. I appreciate your support.
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2012/November at 3:49 pm
I love the verse from Ecclesiastes. Friends do help us through the rough spots in life. Callie told me to come by. I enjoyed the devotion.
may_dayzee(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
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2012/November at 9:06 pm
Kay, I’ve learned to lean on my friends.
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2012/November at 11:00 am
Good morning. i’m here because Callie told me to come. i do find your blog a little difficult to navigate, but i’m glad you are part of this. Thank you.
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2012/November at 1:12 pm
Marianne,
Thanks for stopping by!
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2012/November at 3:28 pm
Thanks for the feedback, Marianne! It’s always enlightening to hear from folks who visit for the first time!
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2012/November at 10:08 am
Callie told me to come! And I am glad I found this blog…love it. Enjoyed the interview and learning so much. Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie Smith
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
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2012/November at 1:12 pm
Jackie, thanks for being so supportive!
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2012/November at 3:29 pm
So GLAD you like it, Jackie! And I’ll have to thank Callie next time I “see” her for directing you my way!
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2012/November at 9:37 am
I have been blessed with a lot of friends. A few have gone home at what I consider to be a young age and I miss them, but know I will see them again some day. Friends are a gift from God. Thanks for sharing!
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2012/November at 1:11 pm
Carole, It gives us something to look forward to! Blessings!
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2012/November at 3:31 pm
And I look forward to that great reunion! How amazing it will be! Thanks for stopping by, Carole!
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2012/November at 11:40 am
Thanks for this inspiring devotion. What a friend we have in Jesus! And Marji, my sister and I LOVE Circle of Friends. We were blessed to sing it with my daughter as well as three other sisters in our church family. Nice addition!
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2012/November at 3:48 pm
I love that song, too! Sang it some years ago with a group at my church and we are now spread all over the place!
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2012/November at 9:32 pm
Brenda, You guys are terrific. Thanks for stopping by.
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2012/November at 10:39 am
I would love to win this gift basket to give to my friend who is having a birthday and knee surgery all in the same week. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
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2012/November at 3:47 pm
Good luck!
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2012/November at 9:32 pm
Janet, good luck. Let your friend know we’re praying for her swift recovery.
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2012/November at 7:41 am
Thanks for stopping by, gals. And thanks even more for sharing your thoughts! Hope you have a blessed weekend!
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2012/November at 7:59 pm
I’ve been blessed with great friends, but God really blessed me with my best friend, my husband.
Thanks for sharing.
Jackie
joyfuljel(at)gmaildotcom
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2012/November at 8:11 pm
Jackie, good friendships are some of the most valuable things God has given us.
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2012/November at 7:16 pm
I’ve been blessed with amazing friends. This gave me pause to be thankful again.
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2012/November at 8:12 pm
Tina, it’s good to remember our blessings!
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