NLP- Barbara Olivas

I met Barbara when I was about 15 years old. She was my bus buddy. Every day after school we rode the bus back home. Every once in a while we would sit together. She would tell me about how she was applying to UH and the career she wanted to follow. I would listen, thinking to myself, ahhh I wish I was a senior. Fast forward two years and I met her again.

But this time it was different.

She wasn't just my bus buddy anymore; she was my friend.

Like any friendship, we have had our ups and downs. Times where we have shared joy, times of grief, and times of discord. There couldn't be any two people more opposite than the two of us. Where I am North she is South and vice versa. However, one thing remains the same...Jesus. People state the fact that religion has killed many and it is the fault of Christianity that such genocides in History have occurred, I remain with the truth: Two are better than one.

⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It is true, there has been much evil in the name of Religion. But what I have tasted and seen is Good. This friend of mine, Barbara, has been there when I have fallen. And when I was cold, she laid there to keep me warm. Together, we have seen a good return of our labor. This is my friend who has stood with me through many years.

This year, Barbara received news that shook her to the core. After a few weeks of uncomfortable symptoms and testing,  the doctor told her she had Lupus. Barbara sat across from me as she cried and began to tell me how God had prepared her for such a time as this. "There are days when I am mad. Today is one of those days..." she began to tell me. 

I cried with her.

What else can you do when your prayers seem they are hitting the ceiling and coming back at ya? You stay Faithful. This is the path she has chosen and kept on talking to me about during our last meeting. "I heard God ask me, "Barbara, would you still love me if....?" and I said "yes God, I would still love you."

A cord of three strands is not easily broken says the bible; I must agree.

Barbara, plus friends, plus God = strength.

One day we shall reap what we have sown in Tears. Barbara, one day you will be free from this disease, till then, let this season of life teach you the ultimate Trust.

I Just might Bend, but I won't break....
  

Following, yet a nother No Little People Documentary :