Author Terri Reed & The Difference between Strong & Foolhardy
My guest today is Love Inspired Author Terri Reed and a story about a friend who found out that sometimes it’s good to seek help.
There are many strong women in my life; it’s hard to pick just one to talk about. I firmly believe that God has called me into friendships with the women in my life because each brings a unique perspective that has helped me to become the woman I am. For most of my life I’ve felt alone. I didn’t form close friendships with very many kids while in school. And during my adolescent years, though I had friends I didn’t have a best friend. It wasn’t until college that I formed a bond with a woman, who to this day, some twenty-odd years later, I consider to be my dearest friend. Anne and I grew close when we worked at the same department store and then took some college classes together. We were there for each through our weddings and our children’s births. Whenever we get together it feels like no time has passed since the last time, even though we live thousands of miles apart now.
Several years ago my friend caught a cold that turned into pneumonia. Being a strong woman, wife and mother, she thought she could beat the sickness on her own, she could tough it out. She didn’t go to the doctor right away. By the time she did, her body started to shut down. She fell into a coma and for five months the doctors didn’t think she’d make it. But Anne’s spirit was strong. With the aid of experimental drugs, she slowly began to recover. When she finally awoke from her coma, she could barely speak, couldn’t walk or really move. But she was alive. And for the next couple of years, she worked hard to recover not only physically but emotionally as well. Her marriage faltered but she wouldn’t give up. Through her ordeal I prayed continually for her and her family. As I have witnessed her will to live, and live fully, I am reminded what a precious gift life is.
This past April I caught a cold that started with a sore throat, then a cough. I most likely would have let it run its course if not for the lesson that Anne’s illness taught me. By day five, I decided I’d see a doctor, even though I was convinced he’d tell me it was a cold virus and to rest. I was sure I was wasting his time and my money. However, the doctor was pleased I had come in, because I had pneumonia. Thankfully, we caught it in the early stages. The illness still knocked me flat for another fourteen days.
Thank God for the lessons we learn along the way in this crazy thing called life. I hope you too will head this lesson. Go to the doctor if you feel sick. Don’t try to tough it out. Sometimes we need to be weak in order to be strong. Asking for help, relying on others isn’t a sign of weakness, but of wisdom.
This was one of the lessons my heroine in Covert Pursuit needed to learn. She was a tough cop who wanted to prove herself and uncover the truth, but she couldn’t do it alone. Seeking help grated but in the end she discovered not only the truth but love, a most precious gift, indeed.
to learn more about Author Terri Reed, drop by
http://ladiesofsuspense.
http://craftieladiesofromance.
Thanks, Terri-Lyn