god is a refuge for us

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but the God of Isreal is he that giveth strength and power unto his people...God is a refuge for us."

Abigail wrote this to John after hearing gunshots and cannon fire for days and days. Abigail felt anxious and restless about the future for the colonies, for she knew that war was not far ahead. This quote means the world to me as I see the sufferings of those all over the world, including those I know, and within myself. Abigail knew that God would give whosoever needed strength, strength. The knowledge that God protects his children who are in difficult circumstances is a solace to me. God is watching over everyone and giving them the strength to get through. Abigail's knowledge of this truth reminded me that I must turn to God for strength when I am at a loss.

no dearer name than friend

In October 1782 Abigail wrote to her husband,

"Is there a dearer name than Friend; Think of it for me."

This has been one of my favorite quotes for a long time, which is why I chose a variation of it for my blog title. Abigail used the words "Dearest friend" in adoration towards her husband, but I consider my close friends dear to me as well. And what Abigail said has a special meaning to me. The word friend doesn't just represent a person, but trust, loyalty, love, joy, comfort, and much more. There isn't a word that brings more solace to the soul than friend. The support friends give is irreplaceable. And support from my friends is dear to me, because that is what gets me through tough times in my life. A friend is more than just a confidant, they are the foundation in my life. I love my friends because they help me stand strong when life is hard and bring me so much joy. Abigail's simple statement in a letter made me realize how much my friends do for me, and the true meaning of friendship, something that is often forgotten. When I read the above quote for the first time, I realized that there is, in fact, no dearer name than friend.

great necessities call out great virtues

"It is not in the still calm of life that great characters are formed...Great necessities call out great virtues."

That is what Abigail wrote in a letter to her husband, John, in 1780. This quote has become increasingly more significant in my life as I face difficulties of my own. From school stress, annoying teachers, my sister Jeny being diagnosed with a brain tumor, my sister Katie having to deal with serious complications after child birth, missing my sister Natalie immensely, and having to be on my own often because my mom is gone helping my sisters and my dad has work and church assignments. Sometimes I feel as if I just can't handle all that goes on in my life. This quote has been a reminder that even though this is an extraordinarily difficult time for me, it will be worth it. I will grow in ways that will help me throughout my life. I know that it will be okay, and that this will not destroy me. Romans 8:35, 37-39 says:

35Who shall separate us from the ^alove of Christ? shall ^btribulation, or distress, or ^cpersecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

37Nay, in all these things we are ^amore than ^bconquerors through him that loved us.

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to ^aseparate us from the ^blove of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This scripture has been my support when I needed something to fall on. This scripture reinforced to me that nothing, not tribulation or distress will take me away from the love of God. God, and His son, will always be there. No other scripture has been more of a comfort to me.

Abigail's wisdom gave me a boost, took me away from wallowing. I knew she was right. And she knew what she was saying, because she endured so much more than I have. She taught me that I should persevere through my challenges, because they will improve my life, rather than shatter it. Because of Abigail, I am able to see the glass half full, rather than half empty.