A Bumper Crop of Bras and Friends who Inspire!
On my fortieth birthday, I woke to a bumper crop of bras.
I had no idea that the tree in my front yard could bear such fruit.
Or that my friends and family would support me so boldly as I leapt into the land of the middle-aged.
My teenage son was horrified. Mom, you are going to get those down before the bus comes, right?
My preschooler was intrigued. Mommy, what are those things?
And my tween daughter was confused. Are you supposed to wear those? ‘Cause I don’t think they’re your size.
I wish you could have joined me that morning when I was harvesting undergarments.
(Before the bus came, of course).
We would have laughed together at the way those neighbors heading to work slowed their shiny cars to a crawl as they drove they drove my bloomin’ yard. And I would have told you what I was thinking on that morning last September when I turned forty-years-old.
I would have told you that I don’t know why God has filled my life with an outrageous number of AMAZING friends, but He has.
And I would have marveled aloud about all the ways that my friends (and my family whom I count as friends, too) not only support me, but also inspire me.
And if I’d told you about my friends as we plucked silky fruit from bright green branches–about the ones who are boldly bringing the light of Jesus into their elementary classrooms, and the one who is pouring out her life to set girls free from sex slavery in India; if I’d mentioned my friend who lets God wake her at 3 A.M. to talk to her, and another who sometimes serves up cereal in the sink just to remind her six kids that life wasn’t made to be monotonous but filled with joy; then I bet my last bra that you’d have been thinking, “I’d love to meet Alicia’s friends!”
And if you’d spoken that thought aloud on the first day of my fortieth year, I would have replied, “I’d love to introduce you.”
That’s why today I’m kicking off my first-ever guest-post series called Inspire!
It’s not my birthday. And I don’t have a bra-blooming tree in my front yard anymore.
But I do still have an undeserved number of crazy-for-Jesus-inspiring friends.
And I want you to meet them.
You see, I believe we weren’t made to stumble through this world on our own.
I think Jesus, in His grand and glorious grace, created us to need each other. Even better, He created us to “motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).
I know a few girls who could spur you on.
They’re all as different as those bras that were dangling from my tree last September, but they’re all following after the same Savior.
We might as well just walk together.
Who knows what might start to bloom right here in the dust of this world if a whole bunch of women decide to start INSPIRING one another to chase recklessly after the heart of Jesus?
Once a week 
this summer, I’m going to introduce you to one of my inspiring friends. In fact, contrary to my never-stop-talking-nature, I’m going to sit back quietly and let my friends do all the talking.
When you see this badge on my post, you’ll know to rush right over to meet a new friend who will stir your heart and invigorate your feet.
Today, I’m bursting with excitement just thinking about my the amazing woman you’ll meet tomorrow.
Hope you’ll come back for a serious splash of inspiration! (Oh, and a chance to win the best read of the summer!)
Linking with Jennifer for Tell His Story, Beth for Wedded Wednesdays
I can only imagine … busted up laughing this afternoon. And friend, I have no idea what type of post you are looking for (please remind me). Just became momma to 5 this week, soon to be 6. (precious little 2 year old princess joined our fam) But I am crazy blessed to be a part of inspire. Share with me, what do you want (missions, mom, just me, craziness … ) you decide.
How you crazy bless so many … thanks bunches for splashing around with us at momma notes. Lacing up for the race … hope you’ll join us in cheering other moms on.
http://www.justsarahdawn.blogspot.com
I am new here by way of Tell His Story, and you had me at “A Bumper Crop of Bras”…! Great post! I have hosted a bra themed tea for a friend but the hanging of bras in a tree is just going to get tucked away for the future!! Can’t wait to meet your friends!
So glad you stopped by, Karmen. I bet you wish your trees grew such stunning fruit!
That is such a GREAT idea for a milestone birthday! haha! And I can’t wait to hear from your blogger friends as well, Alicia! I’m excited to get this “Inspire” series started! What a great idea!
Hmm… I can’t wait to let you inspire some marriages in this place soon!
That is HILARIOUS! What great friends you have. I’m getting you my post this week! I can’t decide which one… I might resort to eeny-meeny-miny-mo.
I’m your biggest fan, so I’ll feature you TWICE 🙂 Send them all, dear friend.
Love this can’t wait to meet your Jesus loving friends, as I am learning to live reckless for Jesus!
Well, you happen to be one of my Jesus loving friends and I’m SO GLAD. Of course, I won’t make you write a post or anything!
Love your inspiration-you certainly support me too!
Dear Alecia
I just loooooove your friends! I wonder if a few of them does not have South African blood. It is just the kind of thing we do. I turned 50 this year and I can just think what they would have done. Perhaps a tree full of bloomers and canes!! Looking forward to your new series.
Blessings
Mia
Mia, I think I need a list of YOUR friends and I’ll get them working on a special birthday tree for you 🙂
Just as I was all calmed down and ready to go to sleep I see this and am giggling again. Funniest thing I have seen in a long, long time! What wonderful friends you have, I cannot wait to meet them! 🙂
Glad we could giggle together. I DO have great friends (and a mom and an aunt who spearheaded the whole operation!) Maybe I should save those bras til my own daughters turn forty and keep the tradition alive.