Disclaimer: I decided that before this new season of my life, sure to be full of amazing new people and friends, I wanted to dedicate a series of blogs to the people that are in my life now, to somehow thank them for growing me and supporting me along this process. I also wanted to have something concrete to look back on, so when month 4 comes around and I’m missing home and wondering why the heck I would leave my comfort zone, I can be reminded of the people who put wings on my back and pushed me out of the tree.
There’s this thing—more like a plan, or dream, for a thing—called the Triangle Land. My family has this theory that my sister, Sydney, is going to end up marrying a really wealthy man (and I don’t mean kinda rich, I mean $10 million signing bonus rich) which isn’t really a far off theory if you know my sister. But, when Syd comes into her piles and piles of money, she has a plan to buy, first, lots of shoes, and second, a three-sided plot of land to build her home on. Thus, the Triangle Land is born. She would live on one point, I would live on another, and the last would go to Molly.
Molly.
For as long as I can remember, I haven’t known a day without Molly as my best friend. We thrived through elementary school together, suffered through middle school together, and did a lot of both during high school together. Our war stories are hardly beautiful or well put-together, rather they’re gruesome tales of battles raging within our minds, harrowing losses to our inner demons and, later, joyful victories over them.
I don’t remember the exact time I started praying for Molly to know Jesus, like really praying. I had always invited her to church when we were young—most everyone in my youth group knew who she was by the time we reached middle school—but it was mostly for selfish reasons. I wanted her there as my best friend, rather than my sister in Christ. Sometime after I came to know Jesus intimately, after I realized His power to free me from my inner-war and the love that He so willingly and freely gave to me, I knew that I had something—a gift—that I needed to give her. So, I started to pray. Her name is scribbled countless times in the pages of my prayer journals, asking the Lord to open her eyes to His love for her, to encourage her in her continued battle, and to show her the freeing power of His grace. I have been praying and crying and whispering and yelling and singing and rooting for Molly for years, and today, my prayers were answered.
Today, Molly was baptized; she committed her life to Jesus and publicly professed her love for Him. My best friend became my sister today. I am overwhelmed! Praise Jesus!! He is GOOD and TRUE and FAITHFUL!
There are times, especially now that I’ll be leaving her, that I look at Molly sitting next to me in our church pew. I catch her singing during worship, or open an eye during prayer time just to look at her, and I’m in awe of the Father’s love and provision in her life. People say it’s impossible to not believe in the Lord by looking at his creation, at the trees and sky and animals, how they all work together so harmoniously. For me, all I have to do is look at Molly. She is my window into the heart of God.
To my MoJo: You were the star of the first Suzie James for a reason. You are light. Laugh loudly and un-apologetically. Don’t spend too much time on YouTube, but make sure to send me all the funny/cute/weird videos you find. If you need me, watch Spirit and I’ll be there with you. Just nothing scary. I definitely won’t be there. If you need to remember who really loves you, remember we’re still friends even after the horse-game incident. Don’t let Nathan define you (sorry, Natey), just let him accompany you along the way. Let Jesus define you. I love you, and I can’t wait for an eternity more of friendship with you.
To Sean Michael: One of the greatest joys of my life so far has been to watch you grow in Jesus—your name is scribbled all over my prayer journal, too—and you have so much leadership potential it’s actually insane. Don’t get caught up in the things the world is telling you you have to do; focus on Jesus and you’ll know what you need, you’ll know what is right. I am so sure of your place in the Kingdom, and I know God is going to use you for something so much bigger than you can even imagine. You are strong and sure and good. And I guess you’re funny. I’m so proud to know you. I’m praying for you always. I love you.
C O N C E N T R A T I O N
