There’s a grit that runs deep in the veins of a country girl. It’s not just about boots on the ground, farm chores, or knowing how to wrangle life when it comes at you hard—it’s about love, loyalty, and devotion. Devotion to God, to family, and to this great nation we’re blessed to live in.

For 25 years, I’ve walked this road with my husband, Dexter—the love of my life, my partner through hell and back. Life hasn’t been perfect. Truth is, it’s been downright hellacious at times. We’ve faced trials that could have broken us, nights that swallowed us whole, and mornings where the only thing holding us together was the promise of God’s faithfulness. But here’s the truth: just as we devoted ourselves to Him, He devoted Himself to us. He has carried us through the darkest valleys, and by His strength, we’ve come out on the other side.

The Word tells us, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). We’ve learned not to despise hardships but to embrace them, for in the fire is where strength is forged. Every trial is a teacher, and every storm prepares you for the day you’ll have to make quick, critical decisions—where survival depends on your faith, your wits, and your courage.

A Story of Provision in the Mountains

One of the clearest lessons I ever learned about God’s provision came early in our marriage, when Dexter and I had been married only about five years. We were living in the Northeast Georgia mountains then—just next door to my brother and the next mountain cove over from my dad’s house, the home he had built for me when I was a baby.

Life was lean in those days. One afternoon, I walked over to visit my dad and was heading home when a heavy reality weighed on me: we were flat broke. Our fridge was empty, our pantry bare, and I had nothing to prepare for dinner. The thought of Dexter coming home after a long, hard day’s work to an empty table broke my heart.

So, as I walked, I prayed. Not just a passing prayer, but a desperate one. Every step felt like another plea: “Lord, please… please provide something. I just want to put food on the table tonight.”

Halfway home, I heard a commotion near a creek that ran along the path. Curious, I followed the sound and watched as a golden ring-necked pheasant burst out of the thicket. It walked straight toward me, its beauty breathtaking but its struggle obvious—it was injured and in pain. My heart sank. I wanted to help it, but before I could, the bird laid down at my feet and took its final breath.

In that still moment by the creek, I realized: the Lord had answered my prayer. He had provided.

I picked up the pheasant, carried it home, and prepared it for dinner. That evening, Dexter and I sat down to one of the sweetest meals I have ever tasted. It wasn’t just the flavor of the meat—it was the goodness of God that made it sweet. He had provided right when we needed Him most. That night, we ate like kings, and I was reminded that when we call upon His name, He is faithful to answer.

Lessons in Survival

That experience stays with me. Life on the farm teaches you that survival isn’t about giving up when storms roll in or crops fail—it’s about pressing forward, trusting God, and using what He places in your hands. Hunger and hardship may come, but the Lord is faithful to provide.

Who to look to – “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Where to look – In the land He created. Water flows, seeds sprout, and even a wounded pheasant can become a reminder that He sustains life.

Life on the farm, life in the city, life wherever you are—it’s not about having everything easy. It’s about knowing how to survive when the easy is stripped away. As James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Reflection

This is what loyalty and devotion look like—clinging to God when everything else falls apart, standing by your spouse through sickness, pain, and hardship, and choosing to survive rather than surrender. It’s not always pretty, it’s not always peaceful, but it’s real. And in that reality, we find strength.

Country girls can survive—not because life is gentle, but because faith is strong and God is faithful.

A Word of Thanks

If this story touched you, encouraged you, or reminded you of your own strength in the face of hardship, I’d love your support. You can tip me on Buy Me A Coffee—every bit goes toward helping me keep sharing these real, raw stories of faith, love, and survival. Together, we keep pressing on.