Who circles the wagons for you?
Recently in our little town someone was burning trash in a burn barrel and left it unattended. This action started a wildfire which destroyed 33 homes, caused smoke damage to many others as well as burned over 340 acres of wild lands. It was devastating to say the least. I have several friends that were in the path of the fire, but all were safely evacuated thanks to the great work of the local sheriff’s department. It wasn’t until the next morning that we learned our dear friend and fellow blog writer lost her family home in the fire. We are very thankful they evacuated, but sad for their loss. Immediately the mom-blog crew circled the wagons and set out to help healing begin. This made me think about my own wagons, and the wagons of others. Who would circle mine?
Who circles the wagons for you?
According to the website Learning English “circle the wagons” or “circle your wagons” means that members of a team or group must work together to protect themselves from some outside danger. Generally, they prepare for a possible attack. Their website states: during the 1800s, many settlers traveled west from the East Coast in covered, horse-drawn wagons. At night, or when threatened during the day, the wagons would stop moving. The drivers then would line up all the carriages in a circle. This was a way of protecting the settlers from attack. They would keep their cattle and other animals within the circle.
Who circles the wagons for you?
Now I know we are not riding around in horse-drawn wagons and our “cattle” is neatly butchered & wrapped at a local supermarket but what I’m really curious about is if you know – who will come to your defense? Who will rally around you, to comfort you and/or your family? Who will circle the wagons to keep you safe and help begin the healing you need? Without hesitation, I will do what I can to help my closest friends when they are in need. Honestly – I help anyone who is in need to the best of my ability. I donate to or attend events supporting causes I believe in, as well as donate items to animal shelters, battered women shelters or food pantries. When possible I donate money directly to those needing it. When it comes to my family or close friends I will be there – circling the wagons to help and support them in the best way I know how in the moment. That means I will also give you space to figure out what your need is, because sometimes that is what is really needed.
I know who would be there for me. I know who would circle the wagons for me. They have done it before, and I know they will do it again whether or not I ask. I also know how lucky I am that I’ve become a part of this new group of women who are also fierce when it comes to loving and supporting friends. These friends of mine, both long time and new; and my family – all of them – know how to comfort me, cry with me, laugh with me, support and love me. I KNOW my ride or die. I’ve said it several times before and I’m thankful for them daily – I couldn’t make it through life without every single person.
