While Travis was stationed in Korea, I lived back in Indiana near family in a big, old farmhouse we bought. That house could get lonely. It saw a lot of tears. But one thing that got me through that year was my Bible study.
There were five of us. Two girls who are my cousins but are a lot like sisters to me since we grew up together. One girl who married into the family and is now my official cousin. And one girl who is about to marry my brother and become family.
Aubree. Morgan. Caitlyn. Kendall. and me.
We started a Bible study at my house every week. To be honest with you, I can’t remember a single thing we studied. I barely remember the lessons or the scriptures. But I do remember those evenings.
I remember what it felt like to get up in the morning knowing I had something to look forward to. I remember anxiously awaiting their arrivals. I remember sitting around my living room with Bibles in hand.
I remember the time they helped me put my porch swing together and how we carefully sat on it hoping we wouldn’t crash to the floor. I remember when we saw a strange light out in the field, so we took off through the yard to find out what it was and somehow Kendall ended up on top of the chicken coop.
I remember the time we sat at my kitchen table and I laid my heart out and they listened and encouraged. And how God spoke through Aubree that day and confirmed something He was telling me over and over. I remember how that evening turned into a fun night of corn-on-the-cob-eating in aprons.
I remember the time we sat on the front porch scattered all around eating chicken salad. Or the laughter when that rock star dude totally creeped us out in that video.
I remember watching Caitlyn’s belly grow each week she walked in the door and giving her a space to share her concerns and fears about the pregnancy.
I remember all of us sharing highs and lows from our week, and many of us having trouble remembering what we wanted to say. I remember the heartfelt prayers said before the girls trickled out my door. And I remember how full my heart felt each night after they were gone.
To me, those Bible studies weren’t really about the Bible at all. They were about the fellowship. I needed those girls that year. I welcomed them into my home, but they welcomed me into their hearts. And together we formed a fight club. They are my women. My support group. They would and will fight for me — whether physically with fists or spiritually with their prayers. And I would do the same for them.
And that’s a really beautiful thing. I am so very grateful for it.
To my Fight Club,
Thank you for always being here for me. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Thank you for the support and the laughter. Thank you for being my fight club.
I am always here for you. I will fight for you. With my fists if I need to (although I may lose depending who I’m up against), but definitely with my prayers.
You are my sisters. And I love each of you with a full heart. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things God has in store for each of our lives, and I’m so glad I get to share that journey with ya’ll.
Thank you so much for writing this letter to your fight club. It reminded me that I, too, have a fight club and they are called “the Jingalings.” This has been a difficult week for my family and could prove to be even more difficult depending on next week’s test results for my husband. But, reading your blog reminds me that God has placed special people in our lives that are there for us to help us. In a way, they are living out His word, and I am so fortunate to have them in my life. Thank you so much for the reminder.
That is exactly right. We are not supposed to do this life alone. God has given us special people to help us walk through the hard seasons, especially during those times where the season feels like it’s never going to end. I hope you get good test results and lean into those who love you. <3
We are richly blessed to have one another. I am so honored to be a part of this group of people who truly understand the meanings of “friend” and “family.” Fantastic writing, Tiffany, and Kay do not hesitate to ask for whatever you need.
What an amazing fight club. What a blessing God has given all of you to be able to support each other in the joys and challenges. Thank you Tiffany for reminding us God is in all the moments.