4/1/2007 - SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Meet Laura Bishop
by Kimberly Jordan
What woman wouldnt relish the opportunity to spend a few hours sharing tea with her closest confidants in a cozy, pink-striped home straight out of a storybook? Such time spent with girlfriends is especially precious to any woman who has suffered deep heartache.
Meet Laura Bishop, hostess of Sweet Inspirations: Tea and Encouragement. Several times a year, Laura opens her home to a woman who has been on a difficult life journey and wants to share her gratitude with those who have borne her pain alongside her. The women gather in Lauras home, which is, in her own words, a place where women feel at home. Decorated completely in pink and white, each room in the house looks like a princess tearoom, with flowered accents, plump pillows on couches and a crackling fire in the pink-tiled fireplace.
Ive lived in Redlands all my life, says Laura. When my children left home, I was looking for something to devote my time to. After seeing one of her dear friends experience loss, I felt that the Lord brought this into my mind. I wanted to give my friend a time of reprieve, a time to reflect. I love being with women, and I feel that we have lost the art of women taking time just to be with other women. We are too busy.
Since that first Sweet Inspirations event, other women have come into her life in one way or anotherthrough friends, or by word of mouth. They have experienced things like lost husbands, infertility, or heartache about their children. Everyone has had a journey, Laura says, And everyone deserves a day.
A few weeks prior to each event, Laura sends invitations to the women her honoree requests. She prepares scones, sandwiches, dessert, lemonade, and of course, tea. She spends some time considering her friends state of mind and praying for her. I usually wait to host a tea for someone until some healing has taken place. Then (the honoree) can truly appreciate the time with her friends. The women spend a few hours together, enjoying the company, the food and some words of encouragement Laura reads from the Bible.
It is truly a blessing for me to be a part of sharing in each womans journey, bringing comfort and solace. I am blessed to have a home I can open up to others and to have the support of my husband, Laura finishes.
I love doing Sweet Inspirations. It brings me great joy.
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