The Impossible Life: Weekly Reflections on Faith, Pain, and Triumph

Week 2: The Power of One, How a Friendship Saved My Life

By Elizabeth M. Ford

Finding Light in a Lonely World

At nine years old, I met the person who would change the trajectory of my life.

Her name was Carrie, and from the very first moment, we just clicked. It wasn’t dramatic or grand it was instant. She became my best friend, my safe space, and my anchor in a world that felt like it was constantly falling apart.

And now, 38 years later, we’re still walking through life together.

We All Just Need One

People often chase the crowd. “If I just had more friends… If I had more followers… If I had more money…” But here’s what I’ve learned:

You don’t need everyone. You just need one. One real person. One friend who sees you. One soul who doesn’t run away when your life is messy.

Carrie was that person for me.

When I had no clean clothes she shared hers.

When I had no food she split hers.

When I didn’t know how to smile she made me laugh.

We did each other’s hair, cried together, schemed together, and yes, even got into a little trouble together. But above all, we lifted each other up.

🌷 Gloria’s Love: A Mother When I Didn’t Have One

At this point in my life, my mother was losing her battle with depression and cycling in and out of mental hospitals. There were many days when I came home to silence, confusion, and pain. I didn’t know what stability or motherly love felt like anymore.

But Carrie’s mom, Gloria, became that light.

She welcomed me with open arms, no matter how dirty my clothes were or how empty my hands were. I had nothing to give no money, no nice manners, no gifts but I was still embraced. Her home became a refuge. Her love was unconditional. I saw, maybe for the first time, that love didn’t always have to be earned it could simply be given.

Without Carrie and Gloria, I honestly don’t believe I would be here to write these words. They didn’t just save my life they restored it.

🙏🏾 The Faith Behind Friendship

Looking back now, I see God’s fingerprints all over this chapter of my life.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

God gave me Carrie. He knew I would need someone to hold me up when I couldn’t stand. And through Gloria, He gave me a glimpse of the kind of love He had been trying to show me all along.

This Week’s Truth: You Are Worthy of Love

No matter where you are, no matter how little you feel you have, know this:

You are worthy of friendship. You are worthy of unconditional love. You are worthy of being seen, heard, and held.

You don’t need to impress the world. You just need one.

One friend. One listener. One supporter.

And if you don’t have that person right now, pray for them. They’re out there, and they may be praying for you too.

Overcomer Challenge:

This week, I challenge you to:

Reach out to your “one” your Carrie and tell them what they mean to you.
Be that “one” for someone else. Look around; someone near you is carrying a hidden burden.
If you don’t have your “one” yet, write a prayer or journal entry asking God to send them. Ask boldly. He hears.