Relationships | 100 Words

Auld Lang Syne

January 3rd, 2026
Mollie T. Cox

2024 was a hard year as my family walked alongside hurting loved ones. 2025 was worse. More loved ones struggled. Two left this earth. Unimaginable hardships. Sharp dips in my own health.

This led to reduced Christmas activities. One exception? We sang more, and we’re still singing.

Another exception? I sent over one hundred Christmas cards. I haven’t sent cards since 2020. One result? A phone call from a faraway high school friend I hadn’t spoken with in decades. She wanted to hear my voice. We talked from 8:00 pm that Saturday night until 1:38 am the next morning.

Windchimes my friend sent after our conversation.

On January 2nd, my husband, son, and I sang Auld Lang Syne—translated days gone by in standard English. It was a first. Our holiday songbooks are usually packed away before January. Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song. The first line means for the sake of old times.

2024 and 2025 were years of Auld Lang Syne. Because of our shared history—for the sake of old times—we connected with and walked alongside dear ones we hadn’t seen much or recently.

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne.

God's Faithfulness, Relationships

Being Angry on My Behalf

December 20th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

I’m angry that happened to you. I’m angry for you.

I was comforted by those words after someone asked for a favor and then used that favor to steal from me. I told a friend, “Sometimes we need to be angry on someone’s behalf.”

“Is that always a good idea she questioned?” I thought so until I read Gentle and Lowly.

As you consider those who have wronged you, let Jesus be angry on your behalf. His anger can be trusted.
Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund

Wow! And it’s true. My experience proves that. As I look back, I can recount how God has defended me and not let the wrongdoers prosper—although it may take decades to see the judgement.

I’ve thought about and blogged on this quote before. (See here.) I bring it up again, because the holidays are a time to be blessed and a time to be hurt and a time to let Jesus be angry on your behalf.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it only tends to evil. Psalm 37:8 (ESV)

Book Recommendations, Friendship, Relationships

Community Over Competition

November 22nd, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

When I watch Olympic events, I’m always struck by the camaraderie among the women swimmers and gymnasts. After finishing their event, competing athletes congratulate—even hug—the women who took their podium position. USA gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles even bowed to Brazilian Rebeca Andrade during the 2024 Olympics award ceremony after Andrade outperformed them to take the gold medal in Floor Exercise.

Interviews reveal admiration rather than trash talk. It looks genuine. Is it?

Olympic champion Katie Ledecky confirms that it is.

Women are amazing at lifting each other up, at giving a kind word when someone has a great race, providing feedback on a particular technique, or commiserating … The truth is women athletes have way bigger fish to fry than each other.
Katie Ledecky, Just Add Water

Unlike team sports, gymnasts, swimmers, and runners train with athletes from different countries. Being in the trenches together builds bridges and solidifies friendships.

This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the women in my life whom I have “trained with” and have chosen community over competition. I give thanks for our hard seasons together where solid friendships have been built.

Who is lifting you up? Whom are you lifting up?

Relationships

Safe Relationships

November 15th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

I asked myself, ‘Who is safe? and I thought of you.’
A Friend Dealing with Abuse and Trauma

Over the years, there are attributes I’ve wanted to have, and I’ve occasionally been told I have them. However, I never thought about safe until my friend labeled me.

Who are safe people?

Lindsay Lohan said people who will not take her family’s photo without permission are safe. Another woman said people who are pushy are not safe. My friend defined “safe” as someone who would not doubt her story, not judge her actions, and carefully handle her secrets.

How did my friend decide I was safe? I’m not sure. We were only causal friends the day I was contacted. However, she was the best friend of a dear relative who had passed. Did that trust carry over to me? Perhaps, I’ll ask her one day.

Ultimately, all safety depends on God.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)

May we all be safe as we gather for the holidays.

Book Recommendations, Relationships

Sometimes, It’s Best Not To Ask

October 18th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

‘How are you, Mary?’ said Sanborn’s mother …

‘Fine.’ said Henry’s mother …

They pulled away …

‘Fine?’ said Henry.

‘Well, what should I tell her? his mother said quickly ‘That I sat in my son’s hospital room for six hours, and he didn’t move once?’
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt

Trouble by Gary D. Schmist is one of my favorite books. I enjoy the deep characters and well-constructed plot, but I can say that about many books. As I said in an earlier post, (see here), I learned the perspective of people overwhelmed with circumstances and grief. The reply “Fine” means “Please don’t ask questions I can’t or don’t want to answer.”

Asking questions seems the caring, sensitive thing for friends and family to do. However, as a relative currently walks through hard times, she sees these questions as intrusive and depressing. I’ve heard others in difficult circumstances say the same. They prefer that people wait for information to be volunteered.

What words can be said while we wait?

I love you.

You are in my thoughts.

I’m praying for you.

Is there anything specific I can do to help right now?

May God grant us much wisdom.