People in this world will tell you what to do/what not to do, where to go/where not to go, who to talk to/who not to talk to, etc. They'll tell you to bite your tongue and stay in a toxic relationship or friendship. They'll tell you that you're cold heartened and mean "not a Christian" for protecting yourself and taking up for yourself. But, always listen to your heart and follow God's leading and no one else's... He's the only reason I live, but oh what a reason! I typed that at the beginning, because my best good friend has taught me and helped me learn what it means when you listen to and let God lead you every step of the way. She's helped me learn it's okay to stand up for yourself and take time for yourself. Hard lessons in life packaged with hurt have brought much pain my way, but it's also brought much discernment my way. This week I stumbled upon the "see friendship" section on Facebook, between me and Selena! So, had I listened to the naysayers and not went to the church where the Lord was leading me during 2010, I wouldn't now have this 12 year friendship with her and her family. She's been right by my side through these hard lessons, I mentioned above, that have allowed me to gain much spiritual growth. I would run out of space if I tried to type out everything she means to me, but our friendship was definitely a God thing. I would definitely exceed the character limit, lol. When I knew I had no choice but to walk away from others to protect myself, and so I could also continue growing in the Lord, she's never left my side and hung in there with me through it all just as I have with her. When I knew other friendships were but for a season, oh I knew this friendship between us was for the rest of our lifetime. Looking back over just some of our many memories has my heart so full with thankfulness to God! There are so many memories, all of the screenshots won't even fit into one post! ;) She's the true definition of a best friend and sister in Christ. We are truly the sisters each of us never had. Yes, there have been a few times of aggravation, only because she wanted what was best for me and couldn't stand to see me get hurt... but never a fight or ill feelings with each other, because we are each other's cheerleader and we only want what's best for each other. We know when each other needs to vent, just listen, just be quiet and reflect, or need our space... that's how friendship works and lasts! We've both been through so much ourselves and within our families, but our faith in God is what continues to pull us through. She's truly the meaning of the "You find out who your friends are" song - "You find out who your friends are. Somebody's gonna drop everything. Run out and crank up their car. Hit the gas, get their fast. Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.' They just show on up with their big ole heart. You find out who your friends are." All the times she's back tracked to come pick me up to go somewhere because she knew I didn't feel like driving or following me home from her house to make sure I was safe. She's provided me opportunities to minister in song, took me on many road trips, showed up at my house late at night so we could talk through things, opened her home to me as my getaway/hideaway place to heal and clear my head, prayed and talked me through so much; she's my best friend and therapist. She thinks of little things, like getting me gifts on birthday and Christmas I would never buy myself but she knows I need. We are in each other's corner through it all. She's whisk me away so I could get my mind off difficult things, or just set there with me and let me cry it out without saying a word. She's helped me put things in prospective and get my focus back on God, when my mind seemed to be full of nothing but confusion and anxiety. She's the friend whom I don't have to see or talk to everyday, yet nothing has changed when we do talk and hang out. I could keep on going, but the truth of the matter is there hasn't been one time since I've known her, that she didn't stop what she was doing to talk me through something when I was in the middle of a crisis or in meltdown mode. We have the best time on our yearly beach trips now. I don't mean to get all sappy, but these past couple of weeks I don't know what I would've done without the Lord and her helping me through a very tough and challenging situation. She's that friend that keeps you from falling apart at the seams, when all you really wanna do is fall apart! Focus on finding that one true friend until the end vs. so many that aren't gonna be around when times get tough. ❤🥰 Here's to many more years of friendship! I love you very much my best good friend!!!
