The Constant Friend Daily Devotion is written by Gwen Hitt, Brandon Bilbo, Rachelle Bilbo and occasional guests writers.  This devotion began out of a beautiful friendship between Gwen Hitt and Connie Barbier.  Gwen and Connie graduated from high school together in 1973.   In August of 1985, they decided to pursue a teaching career although they were both married with young children.  Together, they achieved their dream and became excellent educators.

Although careers, their families, and other life events kept them apart for periods of time, they were always able to quickly catch up with each other just as if they had just spoken the day before.  Gwen and Connie—like all great friends—were there for each other through many tragic events.  Gwen says that had it not been for Connie, she may have never returned to college the semester after her younger brother was tragically killed in a car accident on Christmas Day.

In February 2012, Connie was diagnosed with cancer for the second time.  Although initial reports were unfavorable, Connie remained hopeful and agreed to all treatments that were offered to her.  In order to encourage Connie and her family, Gwen decided to start sending a text message with a scripture every morning to Connie (who would share them with her husband, Tim Barbier), Connie's two daughters (Alison and Courtney), and her own two daughters (Claire and Rachelle).  As the text messages began to lengthen and evolved into Daily Devotionals, Gwen began to send them as emails.  By the end of 2012, the initial recipient list of 5 individuals grew to almost 40. Unbeknownst to Gwen, the messages were being forwarded to others!

Connie told Gwen repeatedly that the messages helped her so very much. On many mornings, Gwen and Connie would discuss the morning message on Gwen’s way to work. Connie said that her faith was strengthened. Interestingly, as her faith strengthened, Gwen said her own faith increased.  On December 21, 2012, Connie did go home to be with the Lord.  However, Connie witnessed many answered prayers throughout her journey.  There were several times when it seemed like the end of her journey on earth, but then God provided a miracle.  She was even able to sit on the front row at her oldest daughter’s wedding a month before she left this earth.

The messages covered topics such as faith, hope, joy, prayer, heaven, love, healing, miracles, comfort, and - most importantly - Jesus.  With the help of Gwen’s family, the daily messages were sent out every day since Connie was diagnosed.  After Connie went on to be with the Lord, Gwen had determined that she was no longer going to write the devotions—it was something special that was for Connie.  However, she soon discovered that God had other plans.  On Christmas night, Gwen received two typed pages of responses from individuals sharing what the messages meant to them. “As I read their responses, all I could do was cry. I cried because I was so touched by how my dear friend's suffering had inspired so many to face their trials with her courage and will to go on. It was a moment I will always remember,” said Gwen.

Gwen’s daughter Rachelle and son-in-law Brandon decided to join forces with Gwen to continue the devotion believing that it was something Connie would have liked.  Nearly every time Connie visited MD Anderson (which totaled more than 30 visits), she would bring delicious homemade treats to anyone who was kind to her—the receptionist, the nurses, the doctors, etc.  Even in her suffering, she was generous.

Previously, when the devotions were sent out, the subject line read, “Connie.” It was a reminder to pray for Connie as well.  It was discovered that Connie’s name means “Constant.”  Webster's Dictionary defines CONSTANT as --- marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : <a constant friend>. When Gwen and Rachelle read this definition, the words CONSTANT FRIEND truly resonated in their hearts and minds, and they both agreed that the messages should be entitled "Constant Friend."

Gwen reminds us of how important it is for all of us to have a Constant Friend: “I must say that I was extremely fortunate to have a Constant Friend in Connie. She always tried her best to be there when I needed her, and I did the same for her. Although we did our best, there were times when we could not be there for each other due to the circumstances of life. However, I would like to assure you that there is someone who longs to form a close relationship with you AND His presence in your life is not hindered by life's circumstances. Jesus IS always available and willing to answer your call."

In tragic situations, people often ask, “What can I do to help?”  In Connie’s situation, she had it covered.  She had her husband Tim and her two daughters Alison and Courtney who all cared for her tirelessly and were all three by her side when she passed.  However, what YOU can do to help those friends you care about is pray for them and encourage them and remain CONSTANT!

In closing, one morning, Gwen woke up to a wonderful surprise. Connie had written and emailed the morning message to her. We know that you will be blessed to read the following excerpt from Connie's message and instantly realize how "Her Story" could inspire us to continue the daily devotions in her memory.

Written by Connie Barbier:

Today, 10-14-12, I decided that I would write the morning message to include some of the thoughts and feelings that I experienced on my last visit to MD Anderson. As the doctor quickly ran through the PET scan results, I immediately knew that these results were not what we had hoped for. I listened as she said the liver showed progression, there was a new spot in the lung, and the spot on the brain would be treated the following day. I did not cry or become discouraged. I knew in my heart that I could do this.  More chemo... More tests... More procedures... I could not react any differently because I know that our Lord has a plan for me and that He will give me the strength to fight this terrible disease.  Instead, I quietly asked her,  "Can we address one thing at a time?  I am ready to do the procedure on the brain tomorrow and then go on from there".

As the melanoma team walked in and out of the room, I reflected on the words and messages that would help me face another challenge. I thought the following Bible verse was most fitting for the situation I currently face.

Isaiah 41:10  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I know that God is with me and that He will not let me fight this alone.  He is an awesome God that has given me the most knowledgeable medical team. He has sent an army of people to pray with and for me. Some of whom I have never met......

He has sent my dear friend, Gwen, to keep me strong in faith and to teach me verses from the Bible that will help me to understand eternal life. I do not fear the known or unknown.  I have a wonderful supportive husband, two children who give of their lives to take care of me, family, friends, neighbors, and a community that support me and help me get through this on a daily basis. What is there to FEAR?