Well I’m supposed to write an essay on “I believe…” One would think that this should be pretty simple, but it’s not. I could tell you that I believe I can fly; I believe that I can touch the sky; I dream about it every night and day… (do you know that song?) I could recite to you the Apostle’s Creed, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, but I’m afraid that is too amateur.
So, the question remains; what do I believe.
All of the above is true. Well, except maybe the flying bit, at least not until the rapture God willing if I’m alive. I believe in so much it is hard to narrow it down to one thing to talk to you about; however, I am going to decide upon “Friends.”
I believe that friendship, outside of Salvation, is the greatest gift from God! Relationship is the biggest part of one’s life. After all, isn’t that the purpose of God creating us – to be in relationship with Him and others? “
Look well at my
handpicked servant; I love him so much, take such delight in him
” (
Matthew 12:15 TMB), “
Haven’t I
handpicked you…” (John 6:70 TMB) This sure displays a different perspective on the cliché, ‘You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family.’
God has placed so many amazing people in my life, people that have walked me through a very dark recovery in my life. Though there are way too many to recall or name, I would like to call out a few in recognition of their faithfulness to God.
There are three significant pastors in my life that I love and admire very much! They are Pastor Jim McCarty, Pastor Mike Patz, and Pastor Robbie Johnson. They have taught me aspects of life from running to the altar in repentance, to serving whole-heartedly to loving God passionately. I am forever grateful for these mighty men of God who walk in integrity and excellence all the time. I would serve alongside any of these three men at anytime!
Moreover than my pastors, I have an amazing group of women in my life too. They are truly handpicked from God. Pictured below are Pam, Me, Jan, Sandy, Susan and Erin. They are the absolute loves of my life. They are true women of virtue, character, and great faith. They, through the years, have nestled me into their lives and their hearts, and it is with great honor to regard them as “friends!” I can call them at any time of day and for any reason whatsoever, whether to laugh, cry or just chat about girlie things, which we do on pretty much a daily basis.
It is almost unimaginable to think about the year ahead without my friends. I cry at the thought. I know that God is there and the He is my bestest friend, and I am thankful to
know this; however, there is no time passed greater to me than just hanging with the girls. John 15:13 says,
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends.” This is Koinonia, a partnership, it’s fellowship and communion.
I love you Pam, Erin, Sandy, Sally, Susan, Jan, LauriLyn, and Ms Gregg! (some not pictured below)
