In an hour, it will be Mother's Day. My goal is to write a post about my Mom, because she really is wonderful. However, right now, I'm writing about something (okay, someone) that's been on my heart. I'm writing about Michelle.
I really couldn't tell you when I met Michelle. Her name was one of those that seemed to float around me for many months before I met her. I kept hearing about Kevin and Michelle Leach. I swear, the girl was everywhere. It's funny because I also remember this very clear picture of seeing Michelle and Kevin before I had any idea who she was. I'm guessing I really got to know Michelle after I started leading a Lifegroup. I watched her from afar. I've told her this before- I thought Michelle was WAY too cool for me to every be close friends with. It seemed no matter where she was, people flocked to her. When she wasn't around, people talked about her. Last May I was looking at some fabric at Hobby Lobby. I had somehow gotten Michelle's number. I texted her to tell her this particular fabric was on sale and I thought she would love it.
Then, I hung out with her for the first time. I found out later that Michelle's life was a bit chaotic. See, her mom was battling cancer and her baby girl had a heart problem. We sat on Michelle's couch and she asked me about life. Michelle met me in a really difficult season- when lots of friends had moved away. For the couple of hours I was there, it seemed like I was the only thing that mattered. It's one of my favorite things about Michelle. She lives life like a saying she has in her house: "Wherever you're at, be all there". I saw Michelle once or twice more over the next few months.
In January, she started discipling me. Basically, that means she's super intentional about living life with me. She's for me and she asks me the hard questions. Usually, we hang out once a week. It's a highlight. The girl oozes life, joy, and the Holy Spirit. I know that no matter what I tell her, she is for me. I also never have to wonder where I stand with her, because she is such a good communicator. She's direct and honest. It makes me trust her all the more. She asks me the really hard questions. She doesn't let me get away with anything, but she is so kind about it. A couple of weeks ago, I told some people, "It's really easy to hold someone's toes to the fire; it's much less easy to stand there and possibly get burned with them". Michelle is one who stands with people. She is loyal beyond loyal. She's a great friend. Oh, and if you're having a party- I PROMISE you want Michelle there. She brings so much life and is SO fun to be around.
About a week ago, Michelle's mom was sent home from the hospital. You can read the story on her blog Leachlove. Her mom started hospice. Michelle moved in.. because that's what Michelle does. She stands with you and makes sure you know you aren't alone. Yesterday, towards the end of saying good-bye to her mom, Michelle sent me a text asking about something that PALES in comparison. Why? Because Michelle doesn't live in comparison. Michelle loves people well.
Today, Michelle said good-bye to her mom. Tomorrow, Michelle will celebrate her mom's life on Mother's Day. I can't even imagine how hard that is. But here's a secret about Michelle: she is extraordinarily brave. She wouldn't necessarily say that about herself. In fact, when she reads this she'll probably think about all the times she feels like she's wavered. But those who know her know the truth: Michelle is brave because she has chosen to partner with the person of bravery, who is the Holy Spirit. Michelle will stand there on Mother's Day and celebrate her mom, who is now in Heaven, because Michelle knows her best friend, the Holy Spirit, will be there to comfort and celebrate with her while God gets to dance with her mom.
So thankful that I get to call such a brave woman friend.
I really couldn't tell you when I met Michelle. Her name was one of those that seemed to float around me for many months before I met her. I kept hearing about Kevin and Michelle Leach. I swear, the girl was everywhere. It's funny because I also remember this very clear picture of seeing Michelle and Kevin before I had any idea who she was. I'm guessing I really got to know Michelle after I started leading a Lifegroup. I watched her from afar. I've told her this before- I thought Michelle was WAY too cool for me to every be close friends with. It seemed no matter where she was, people flocked to her. When she wasn't around, people talked about her. Last May I was looking at some fabric at Hobby Lobby. I had somehow gotten Michelle's number. I texted her to tell her this particular fabric was on sale and I thought she would love it.
Then, I hung out with her for the first time. I found out later that Michelle's life was a bit chaotic. See, her mom was battling cancer and her baby girl had a heart problem. We sat on Michelle's couch and she asked me about life. Michelle met me in a really difficult season- when lots of friends had moved away. For the couple of hours I was there, it seemed like I was the only thing that mattered. It's one of my favorite things about Michelle. She lives life like a saying she has in her house: "Wherever you're at, be all there". I saw Michelle once or twice more over the next few months.
In January, she started discipling me. Basically, that means she's super intentional about living life with me. She's for me and she asks me the hard questions. Usually, we hang out once a week. It's a highlight. The girl oozes life, joy, and the Holy Spirit. I know that no matter what I tell her, she is for me. I also never have to wonder where I stand with her, because she is such a good communicator. She's direct and honest. It makes me trust her all the more. She asks me the really hard questions. She doesn't let me get away with anything, but she is so kind about it. A couple of weeks ago, I told some people, "It's really easy to hold someone's toes to the fire; it's much less easy to stand there and possibly get burned with them". Michelle is one who stands with people. She is loyal beyond loyal. She's a great friend. Oh, and if you're having a party- I PROMISE you want Michelle there. She brings so much life and is SO fun to be around.
About a week ago, Michelle's mom was sent home from the hospital. You can read the story on her blog Leachlove. Her mom started hospice. Michelle moved in.. because that's what Michelle does. She stands with you and makes sure you know you aren't alone. Yesterday, towards the end of saying good-bye to her mom, Michelle sent me a text asking about something that PALES in comparison. Why? Because Michelle doesn't live in comparison. Michelle loves people well.
Today, Michelle said good-bye to her mom. Tomorrow, Michelle will celebrate her mom's life on Mother's Day. I can't even imagine how hard that is. But here's a secret about Michelle: she is extraordinarily brave. She wouldn't necessarily say that about herself. In fact, when she reads this she'll probably think about all the times she feels like she's wavered. But those who know her know the truth: Michelle is brave because she has chosen to partner with the person of bravery, who is the Holy Spirit. Michelle will stand there on Mother's Day and celebrate her mom, who is now in Heaven, because Michelle knows her best friend, the Holy Spirit, will be there to comfort and celebrate with her while God gets to dance with her mom.
So thankful that I get to call such a brave woman friend.
love.
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