River City Connections—2026-07-05 (Patreon)

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HUNTING DEALS by Emma Vale

It’s Sunday after church, and me and Noah went to church in Bartlett this morning with Michael and Cindi. I still get nervous walking into places where everybody already knows where to sit, but Cindi says that’s her everyday.

“If I can do it, you can do it!”

After church we all went to Wendy’s. While we were eating, Jordan called and asked what I was doing this afternoon.

I said, “Nothing, I guess.”

So a plan happened.

Carter and Jordan drove up to Bartlett and met us at Michael and Cindi’s house. Carter and Noah took the truck to look at a bedroom set on Facebook Marketplace, because apparently men can turn used furniture into an inspection project.

Me and Jordan went to Goodwill.

I thought maybe I might find one blouse if anything new come in my size. Mostly, though, it was just for fun. Jordan does not make it feel like she is helping me. She just talks to me like I already belong beside her, and this new life feels less scary.

She told me about her apartment and that she doesn’t really know anyone. It made me think about Crossroads. Living there was the opposite of what she’s going through. Everyone knew everyone, and there was a real family experience.

Now here I am living miles from my new friends. We’re still getting to know each other, but it feels real and has meaning.

That feels like a big thing.

Today’s verse is Psalm 68:6 NIV: “God sets the lonely in families.”

I used to think family was only the people you were born into, and if that part broke wrong, you just had to live with the empty place.

But maybe God builds family, too.

Sometimes it is a husband holding your hand at church. Sometimes it is Cindi admitting she’s scared too. Sometimes it is Jordan laughing with you in Goodwill while you look for a blouse that makes you feel a little more grown.

I am learning that God does not always heal lonely with one big miracle. I miss Hannah, especially.

But sometimes God just sends people you need when you need them.

And I think I needed Jordan to come with me to Goodwill.

See y’all later.

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