I just couldn’t use it anymore. It was too fragile.

The cover was tattered, pages had fallen out, and the binding had collapsed more than a decade ago.

It was my first Bible, given to me in 1986 when I initially became a Christ-follower.

Laying it to rest in the drawer of my nightstand felt like a burial of sorts. It was so final.

This prized book and I had navigated so many seasons of life side-by-side.

It looked like it had come through war because it had.

I cherished it as the invaluable weapon I knew it to be when I enlisted so many years ago to fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12).

It proved a trusted companion through countless battles, untold sleepless nights, and many mountain-top victories.

It had offered me encouragement and help when I was a clueless, young mother who had no idea how to boil an egg much less raise a newborn.

It was by my side as I navigated the pain of betrayal and the excruciating heartbreak of divorce.

Its contents comforted me when I felt alone, unloved, and unseen as a single mother.

After remarrying, its pages caught my tears as I struggled to know how to blend a family.

And, time after time, when I felt like giving up, it steadied my steps and strengthened me.

When I didn’t know which way to go, its words offered me clarity and direction.

When darkness and discouragement pressed in on every side, its truths faithfully whispered words of renewed hope.

I had never treasured a book more.

I smiled as I closed the drawer.

Rest well, my old friend – you have equipped, trained, challenged, and inspired me more than I could ever have thought or dreamed possible!

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 CSB)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!