Though socially awkward most of my childhood, and often in adulthood, I was given a group of wonderful friends through my high school years who continue to bless my life with their talents, wisdom, humor, faith and friendship. 

Several years ago one of these dear friends was facing a challenge that we knew would be ongoing.  One night I dreamt we were walking together and as I woke the words “Help her keep walking” came to my mind.  Unsure of how to follow that impression, I thought of my own morning walking group and the normal stories of life we told while we walked that lifted me and gave me energy for the day.  

I decided that I would write my friend a “Story of the Week”.  The stories were never intended to be spectacular,  just something happy and positive to think about and to let her know that I was thinking of her, loved her and was walking with her.  Over the years, I have written hundreds of stories and with her nudging, those stories have been shared with others and we have all walked together in a small way.  

Remarkably, looking for stories, seeing the hand of the Lord in my life and in others and seeing the strength of those who have lived those stories has helped me “keep walking” more than it has helped her.  We gain strength when we try to walk together in our effort to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ.