Dear friend,

God sent you to our town when I needed you most. After experiencing various hurts and pains in life, I needed a friend just like you. A friend I can be completely honest with who doesn’t judge me when I mess up. A friend who doesn’t have unrealistic expectations. A friend who makes me belly laugh so hard coffee shoots out of my mouth and my stomach is sore the next day.

You’ve been your real self with me—no filters, fakeness, or edited, airbrushed versions of you. Just your true, authentic heart on the table.  

You’ve pursued me when I was afraid to initiate more time with you. I wasn’t sure if you felt the same. You’ve led girls get-togethers with our friends and road trips that had us laughing until we peed our pants and had to change jeans.

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You’ve been that friend who texts what you’re learning in Scripture and devotions. You’ve sent links to encouraging worship music that have lifted my spirit when I was deep in the muck. You’ve shared fun Marco Polos with life lessons from your past and how God once brought you through the fire. You and your husband have prayed for my husband and me. You didn’t need to spend your time doing that, but you did anyway because you cared.

Truth is, you’re not just a good friend because you’re a good person. You’re keenly aware of your limits, faults, and weaknesses. 

You’re a good friend because God’s been so good to you, and He works mightily through you. He’s your reliance. 

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You’ve seen his blessings and faithfulness in times of great suffering and joy. You’ve clung to Him even when life brought raging storms and insurmountable odds against you. You’ve prayed when the waters were serene and when they violently raged. 

Your friendship is precious to me. You are:

• Uplifting
• Supportive
• Genuine
• Loyal
• Trustworthy
• Accepting
• Wise
• Selfless
• Empathetic 
• Joyful

My life has been rich knowing you.

Your light shines brightly and others are attracted to Jesus because of you. You’ve inspired my faith in more ways than you know. 

Thank you for letting Him use you to draw me closer to His amazing grace and love.