I don’t think my husband’s smile could have been any bigger.

It was as if it spread across the sky and competed with the brightness of the sun. His heart was beaming with joy. We had found out that we were going to be parents. It came to us like a birthday surprise wrapped in a pretty bow. We hadn’t expected to be parents so soon in our marriage, but we were happy nonetheless. Our love had created life, and that was cause for celebration.

Then, suddenly, our joy was stolen from us. The doctor couldn’t hear a heartbeat anymore. Days later, an emergency visit to the hospital confirmed our worst fears. I had a miscarriage. Sorrow covered me like a blanket.

As news spread of our loss, my friends, near and far, expressed their sympathies.

One day, a close friend called to encourage me. She listened to my story as I sobbed. She encouraged me to read Bible verses aloud and to pray them over my life.

I didn’t think I could do it, but in my weakness, God’s words were a healing balm to my soul. Little by little, I got stronger.

May God grant you godly friends and, when needed, may you rise to the occasion and become a godly friend to those around you.