Question #1: What happens when your best friend and co-author is also your go-to prayer partner in times of trouble or concern?

Answer: You are richly blessed.

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Question #2: How do close friends or relatives handle differences in the “hot topics” of religion and politics?

Answer: Very carefully, listening and speaking your truth based on God’s Word. Did you notice that I wrote listening first? Too many of us, myself included, want to talk, but don’t actively listen. Words impart feelings, feelings can be wrong, error gives you the opportunity to teach using facts, facts take emotion out of the conversation, and conversation, not debate, is what we need. Finally, sometimes all you can do is “agree to disagree” and save the relationship from damage. Deidre and I have experienced many conversations and sometimes areas of disagreement, but have weathered them through the love and respect we have for one another.

The last few years have been difficult for us all. There are so many stories and opinions about politics, the pandemic, the vaccine, wearing of masks, political decisions and mandates in the media and online . . . who do you trust and believe? Once again, I lean on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall make your paths straight.”

There you go: trust God, follow His word, lean on Him, and follow His path.

If you are blessed with a Godly friend as I am, she will support you with her prayers. That makes all the difference.

God bless – Sue