A friend in need

by Mama Mabel

I have a friend in town that I adore.  Her name is Trisha.  We just click when we're together and I admire her determination to make life better in difficult circumstances.  She would do anything for anyone but doesn't sugar coat reality so her bluntness is refreshing.  Despite not being a Christian, she exemplifies Christ's love for the often overlooked segments of society. 

My friend is struggling with health issues right now.  Her husband has applied all over town for a second job so they can afford to get whatever treatment she needs.  Her teenage step-son is looking for after school work also.  At this point, despite having insurance, she's not even going to the doctor because they can't afford the copay.  Even if I had the funds to pay for all her medical care, she wouldn't accept it.  Her grown daughter has a great job and would help but Trisha won't even tell her daughter what is going on because she doesn't want her worrying or trying to pay for everything.  She's not being a melodramatic martyr, she just believes it's not the kid's responsibility to care for the parent and really, truly hates to be a burden.

In some ways, I think it's good for her to have to rely on other people because she has a hard time trusting that others will come through for her.  She's had some pretty bad experiences with people she should have been able to trust.  This circumstance lets her see that her husband and step-son will do anything to take care of her.  It will show her that I will stick around as her friend even when things are difficult.  My deepest hope is that this trial will show her that God will be there for her when she needs Him.

I have been praying that God does something good for Trisha and her family and that they put their faith in Him.  Their truck getting fixed was one good thing but how much more amazing would it be for them to discover God's love?  Until that happens, I'll encourage her however I can and try to be an instrument of God's will for their lives.