A Kaleidoscope of Friends🦋

If you’ve ever sat in my chair or in my world you’ve likely heard me say, “Let me turn the kaleidoscope for you just a bit,” or “God turned the kaleidoscope for me, and I saw it through His eyes.” It’s one of my favorite ways to describe perspective shifts. And recently, a dear friend gave me a moment I’ll never forget.

It was early morning when Melanie and I were chatting on the phone. With tenderness in her voice, she said, "Rachel, I see you like this butterfly flying around with these beautiful, colorful wings. I’m still in the cocoon, with just one wing out, struggling to break through. But I’m gonna do it!" As she described this image, I could see it so clearly two women, deeply connected by friendship, navigating the mess and magic of life together. She was cheering me on, and I was holding space for her. We take turns leading, lifting, and leaning. That’s what real friendship does.

The truth? There are days I don’t feel like a butterfly at all. I feel like I’m barely breathing inside that cocoon straining, stuck, trying to find footing in a life that feels heavy and unfamiliar. But two things I know for sure: God is faithful. And my girlfriends are too.

After that call, I found myself wondering: What’s a group of butterflies called? So I Googled it. And when I read the answer, my jaw hit the floor: A group of butterflies is called a Kaleidoscope. Of course it is. These women my “Kaleidoscope Girls” have helped shift my perspective in every season. They’ve turned the lens, brightened the view, and reminded me of who I am when I’ve lost sight of her. We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, and cheered each other on. We’ve also cussed, complained, griped, and grieved. We’ve done life: Moved in, moved out. Fallen in love. Gotten divorced. Had our hearts shattered. Got a car stolen (yep). Drank countless cups of coffee, wine, diet tonic water. Changed jobs. Changed plans.
Kicked butt. Got counseling. Got real. We’ve seen God’s invisible hand at work moving in wild, weird, and wonder-filled ways. And we still believe. And we’re still flying.

The days of the “mean girl” are over. It’s time to build your Kaleidoscope of Frientimacy a circle of women who fight for each other, love each other, and show up for one another with truth, grace, and grit. Be the Naomi & Ruth. Mary & Elizabeth. Thelma & Louise. Rachel & Monica.

Here’s to 2021—and to a Kaleidoscope of Beauty. 🦋

Rachel, Xoxo!