I asked one of my best friends, Heather, to write a guest blog for me detailing a little about our friendship, how she felt about me going on the race, and how she feels about my coming home in just a few short weeks. Enjoy!
I’ve known Taylor Ryals for almost 20 years now. That is mind boggling to me. When did we get old enough to say a phrase like that? I still remember her toothy grin. Or should I say toothless? We were just a couple of 7 year olds out there living our best life.
And now here she is, doing something I am so immensely proud of her for. You know, true friends are hard to come by. It’s rare to find a few faithful friends, let alone to keep them for so long.
Taylor, you’ve always been there for me. In some of the hardest moments of my life, it was my friendship with you that held me together like the glue God knew I needed. I remember when you told me you felt like God was asking you to do something big. He wanted you to go out there and be brave. To just trust Him and go plunge headfirst into the unknown with Him. I was so happy when you made the decision to go. But there was a piece of my heart that did not want to part with you. I knew I was going to have to be brave too and go an entire year without actually seeing your face. Or singing together at the top of our lungs in your car. But I am so glad you went!
You have grown into a different woman than the one who left Greenville almost a year ago. You are different from that 7 year old we all knew and loved. And yet the same. One thing I know for sure. You have taken your fears and chucked them out the window! Your life thus far had been marked with timidity and fear of the unknown.
But that was never who you are! You have always been deeply brave. Fear tried to immobilize you and steal your true identity. For years of your life, people never got to see the real you. It was hidden beneath the surface, always desiring to burst forth. And this year, I believe you have broken that fear off your life. It does not define you. You are exactly who God made you to be. You are intelligent, funny, and strong. And you have been this woman all along, even since the day I first met you in the 2nd grade. You are just finally free to be you! I have never witnessed anything more beautiful in your life!
I can’t wait to see you and talk about the past year! It seems like it took forever and yet it happened so fast. We can catch up over chicken nuggets, and milkshakes. And we can sit in your car and sing to the top of our lungs. I love you more than you’ll ever know! See you in about a month, Tay!
