When I started community group this year, I had no idea that my small group leader would have such a great impact on my life.
When I was going into community group, I didn't know much about who my small group leader was. I knew her name, a little bit about her from my freshman year roommate and from what I had seen on social media.
At the beginning of this year, I was still trying to figure out where I was in my faith, and how I could continue to grow in my relationship with the Lord throughout the continuous struggle of not having my dad.
I remember having so many conversations with her at the beginning of this year and even now that the year is ending. I remember from the beginning, that she was so easy to talk to, and I always left her feeling loved. She is such an encouraging, and inspiring person, and I am so blessed to be able to look up to her. Her faith in God is so noticeable, and it is so uplifting. Whenever something is going on, I always know that I can text her and she will be there with a listening ear, a big hug, and probably some cookies too.
This semester has been a challenge for me, between a heavy load of classes, and just life, in general, there has been so much going on. I had stopped reading my Bible for a while, and I remember Ruthie told me that I should read the Book of Job. I went home and did my research on the book, and thought she was crazy.
I went on despite what I was thinking and started to read it. I struggled all the way through.
Some days I would question whether or not I even wanted to open it. It was a hard book to read, but in the end, I got so much out of it, and am so thankful that she pushed me through that, knowing it would be hard but would be worth it. She continues to encourage me to read my Bible, every day.
Just recently, we were sitting in her car after community group, and I brought something up with her that I haven’t brought up to anyone in forever. My mind has started to fill with negative thoughts these past few days, and I have just been battling it by myself behind closed doors for such a long time. The thoughts were enough to tear me down and make me feel defeated. It took me so much courage to be able to bring it up to her. A minute or two later, I ended up saying something and when I did, I felt so relieved.
I was afraid that she might look at me differently, like other people did, but no, instead she just looked at me with a loving smile on her face and told me that I was strong enough and courageous enough to fight what I was going through, and that I should not let the devil sneak into my mind. I couldn't help but smile in that moment, because I was reminded that I have such an amazing small group leader by my side cheering me on and that I have God on my side. So I have nothing to be afraid of.
I am so blessed to be able to call Ruthie my small group leader, my friend, and my babysitting sidekick. Some of my greatest memories with her have been made while we are working in the daycare together, dancing along to veggies tales trying to make the children happy, or signing along to the same nursery Bible songs forever ;)
Whether we are talking about the Bible, drinking coffee, cooking dinner together or taking care of babies — there is always so much laughter. I am so thankful that God put her in my life, and for this amazing friendship that has been formed. Without her, my faith wouldn't be as strong as it is today, and I would be missing out on one amazing person.
Thank you for being who you are ♥
"Stay close to the people who feel like sunlight" -Xan Oku