By Michon McCorkle

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9

In January 2020, my husband accepted a new role within his company that moved us from our beloved Charlotte, N.C., to Carmel, Ind. The move from our home, family and familiarity was difficult, but my husband thrived in his new position and appeared extremely satisfied with the transition. However, the move caused great pain and grief for me as I left behind my private practice, my friends and my house of 18 years. It was at the beginning of Covid-19, and we didn’t know anyone in Indiana. I was lonely, sad and isolated. The gray skies left me depressed and confused about the move. In response, I began to pray and ask God for friends that were Christian, married and with similar values. I had no idea how this would happen since everyone was behind masks at the time, but God led me to new friends one-by-one in the most unlikely places.

I met Nicole while shopping for my new home in Indiana at a housewares store. Nicole is also from North Carolina, and we bonded over our love of cast iron cookware and southern cooking. I asked her out for coffee and she gladly accepted. Nicole was a lifeline for connection that resuscitated my life.

I met Petra in a Mexican restaurant waiting for carryout. She commented on my purse, which opened the door for conversation. We shared a couple of laughs and promised to keep in contact. Petra and her family adopted my husband and me with open arms. We have a standing invitation for Sunday dinner and family events. Their love and care helped to ease the ache from missing our own family gatherings.

Next is Lisa, my workout partner of almost two years. We met through a running group and have been “accountability partners” ever since. We push each other to reach our fitness goals. Lisa is a natural comedienne; her humor is medicine to my bones

Finally, there is Kenyata, a friend from Charlotte who moved to Indiana late last year. Kenyata is my spontaneous and adventurous friend, whether we are trying new foods or traveling. She and her husband have been in Indiana for less than a year, and we’ve already been on two international trips and are planning another.

The way God brought about these relationships confirms that God cares about the minor details of life. It reminds me that God fully knows, hears and sees us. Engaging in true fellowship and actively building community brings healing to the soul. Ministry requires us to attend to the needs of others, and we sometimes forget that our souls require nurturing as well. Hopefully, sharing my personal journey to healing will prompt you to ask for help and to share your burdens with those willing to love and support
you (Galatians 6:2).

PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER

You may have heard of the ancient practice of lectio divina, or “sacred reading,” in which a passage of Scripture is read slowly and meditatively multiple times, so the reader can listen to God’s word with “the ear of the heart.” Visio divina, or “sacred seeing,” is a similar practice, in which a scripture is read, and then an image is presented for the reader to contemplate, listening for the stirring of God’s voice within. Today, you are invited to try this reflective practice by reading Luke 1:26-45 and pondering the questions below as you gaze upon Lauren Wright Pittman’s rendering of Mary and Elizabeth on the opposite page.

• What do you notice as you gaze at the image?
• How do you feel when you look at the image?
• What does this image communicate to you about spiritual friendship?