By Samantha McKenzie

Today marks the anniversary eve of the Women Who Hope blog! A little over a year ago, my writing partner and I took a tiny idea and turned it into a blog that was intended to inspire women to believe in themselves and chase frantically after their dreams. We hope that our writing entries have caused some of our readers to discover more about their purpose. “God Bless My Girlfriends” was my first blog entry and my introduction into the world of inspirational writing. I am forever thankful for the women in my life – sisters, friends and strangers – who have inspired me to write my heart out. From my soul to yours, I love you all. Looking forward to what’s to come…happy reading!

I’ve always wondered what God had in mind when he allowed women to outnumber men. I thought this was some cruel joke: A joke that would always help men justify why it was perfectly normal to have seconds, or make women think they had to compete for all the wrong reasons. But as I grew up and invested time and attention into my female relationships, I came to realize that we, women, are truly here for each other.

No matter where I have lived on this Earth, no matter what job I ended up at, or which religious or civic organization I gave my time to, I found women in every facet of my life who helped me become the person I am today. From grandmothers, to play aunties, to best friends, to classmates, to colleagues – I cherish them all.

Women have a unique and special nature. We possess a beauty that can’t really be defined. Every time you think we’ve given our all, we find a deeper repository of treasures within. We are givers, nurturers, consolers and builders. Some of us are soft and subtle about these gifts and others are bold and matter of fact. Throughout my life I have needed them all.

I needed my friends some days to show me extra support, to allow me to cry for no particular reason, to encourage me to go after my dreams, and to force me, yes literally force me, to get out of the rut that I had cemented myself in. Through them, I have discovered myself, and for that I feel truly blessed.

This doesn’t mean it’s all been pleasant. I remember days when I’d ignore several phone calls because I didn’t want to hear her advice or the unsolicited opinions for fear that it would be way too overwhelming. Through it all, I can truly say, my friends have given me exactly what I needed.

If you have these types of friendships, you should cherish them. If you don’t, you should invest in them. God bless all of my girlfriends. You make my world go ’round!