Today I got a much needed gift.
I walked into church and saw a bunch of people, my age, in civilian clothing, looking a lot like the kinds of people I spend time with. They were a praise band out of Louisville KY. They led the most amazing worship service this morning, I felt like I was back at NCC except in a tent.
The whole time I wanted to hang out with them and talk with them and say things I would tell my friends if they were here. So as my boss left I chased him out to fill him in on his next events and then asked him if I could talk to them, so I went back. They were cleaning up but I went right up to a girl who was probably in her mid-twenties and just started talking. It was so odd, I never just talk but I guess I needed to.
She asked me what is one of the hardest things for me (and many of you have gotten email from me about this). I told her how in the odd circumstance of me being a woman, an officer and a very junior officer at that, that I am almost without friends. I briefly explained how I can not develop close friendships with older officers or with enlisted members, there are actually rules against it. Of the very few who are left, I'm either stuck getting hit on or have to listen to the trashy things guys talk about. Then I told her about how it is teaching me to rely on God for friendship, something I haven't had to do before.
She pulled another girl over and they prayed God would send me a friend or just for the comfort of Gods friendship, and a prayer of thanks for providing me with that so far. (Exactly what some of you have been praying for me)
Then she hugged me. And I've told more than a few of you about the absence of touch. It is like having stiff muscles that get a massage. And that was what I've been praying for, actually a hug. After she hugged me she said, "I bet you don't get many of those." and I told her, "That was my first one" so she said, "You need another then." and hugged me again. I was moved and started tearing up so I said goodbye and left.
Today God sent me a pretty girl from Tennessee to give me a hug.
posted by jo portnoy @ 1:14 AM
6 Comments:
What an awesome story Jo!!!
Happy Memorial Day Jo!!! I appreciate your service to our Country and want you to know that you are missed!!!
I'll pray God keeps sending you lots of hugs...
That would probably be one of few ways I could get away with it. Other options are:
The accidental bump into, with the necessary catch.
figure skating.
a well executed fake faint.
pretend I'm taliban and sneak up on someone.
and good old fashion wrasseling.
I'm sure you can get creative with it. Do the "If you were a pirate, would you put your parrot on this side [put hand on near shoulder] or this side [reach for far shoulder]?"
Or tell them they have something on their back and reach around with both arms to wipe it off.
Or tell them you were just checking their waist size in case they need new pants.
Such a cool blessing. Very glad to hear it.
Hi Jo, I am Rose from the Edison House study. I have a friend going there in July who is a solid believer. I am calling around for her email and when I get it i will pass it on. She is also a young officer with the Air Force. Her name is Jessica. I will keep you posted! :) We are all praying for you here in Ballston!~
Its a continuous answer to prayer to hear how God is providing for you, Jo. I'm so glad he sent a team to worship with you and to bring you a hug when just when you needed it.
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