Have you heard Reba McEntire’s new song “God and My Girlfriends” from her newest–and first gospel–album, “Sing it Now”? The song celebrates the blessing of faith and friendship and it sounds like the story of my life! I have been so blessed to have amazing girlfriends my whole life. I hope I have been the kind of friend to them as they have been to me. And I get to celebrate a particular one tomorrow (Nov 15) . . . and you can, too! Keep reading!

One of the greatest joys of being involved in a women’s ministry or a women’s Bible study is the deep relationships that develop grounded in the truth of God’s word. I have also had the joy of having some wonderful roommates over the years while I was single and we still feel like sisters! On another day I’ll have to tell you more about our adventures in hosting “Four Favorite Fellas for Food, Fun, and Fellowship” way back when.

Another major chunk of my single life was working for a national Christian women’s organization and getting to travel and speak across the country at women’s events. One of those events was an event in Atlanta where various conference leaders trained women in different aspects of evangelism. The leaders went out to eat at a PF Chang’s restaurant one night and across the table from me was a woman named Susan Campbell who was about to become one of God’s best gifts to me.

We started chatting and discovered we had both lived in Houston and we both had a passion for Jesus and helping women develop their relationship with Jesus. She was married and had a young son and I was still single. I also learned that she was living in the Kansas City area. A few months later, I happened to be in Kansas City to be trained for my future mission to Romania as an academic missionary, so I gave Susan a call and we scheduled a breakfast meeting at my hotel. That was in 2002 and neither of us had any idea what God had in store for us.

A year later, when I was back in Kansas City for the final step of preparation before I departed for Romania, Susan and her husband came to support me like family at the missions banquet held by the organization and I got to spend a couple days in their home. When Susan took me to the airport, she handed me my first financial support check for my mission endeavor. I will never forget the flood of encouragement and affirmation of God’s call in that moment. Susan has continued to be a wonderful supporter and encourager, even though we don’t get to see each other very often.

Now, it’s her turn! Tomorrow, Nov 15, is the day her first book is being launched. I am so excited for her and proud of her! I am asking all my readers to show a little love and support for her by purchasing her book, A Wild and Wonderful Life: Say Yes to Your Immeasurably More Jesus Story at this link on Amazon. The book reminds you of all the ways Jesus has walked with you through the messiness of life. And if you’re right in the middle of a mess, Susan’s ways with words will bring a chuckle to your day and an uplifting scripture to your heart.

You can celebrate your girlfriends by giving them a copy! I am getting to celebrate my friend Susan tomorrow by going to Kansas City to be at her book launch party and to try to support her with the same encouragement she has blessed me with all these years. Let’s all pray for the success of Susan’s book and for the way it can help women grow in their faith.

So, why don’t you join in the conversation below and tell us a way you like to celebrate your girlfriends or how someone has celebrated you!