Dear Friend,

I wholeheartedly believe that people can change.

Not necessarily by their own will, but with God at the center of their heart. I never imagined us being friends and I have known you since grade school. We were nothing alike. We didn't have the same friends, play the same sports or date the same boys. We didn't like the same kind of music or share the same ideas about life. After high school graduation we took dramatically different paths of life. You ended up at a Christian camp in Wisconsin where you found your worth and value in Christ for the first time and I found myself in college learning my same worth and value. It was then we found commonality, and that was commonality found in our equally broken hearts, made beautiful again, and our desire to follow Christ.

By happenstance, we ran into one another nearly 5 years after high school at the same church of all places and you said we should grab dinner sometime.

I would be lying if I were to say I wasn't a little bit weary or thrown off by the idea of hanging out with you. Sorry, but it was definitely true! I had this preconceived notion that we couldn't possibly be friends because we didn't really get along in the past. We got barbeque and shared our testimonies and it seemed like we were meant to be friends all along.

I am so grateful for your friendship and the lessons you and the life you've lived have taught me. First and foremost, the lesson that people can change and it took the changing of my own heart, after hearing your story, to realize that. I had been conditioned to have preconceived notions about people based on their appearance, past or lifestyles. Through you have I learned that all people are children of God, and all people are beautiful and worthy to be known and seen.

I have also learned that joy comes with serving. Serving with you at youth group, leading a sassy and fun group of 6th grade girls would be impossible without you. Although you live a busy lifestyle, you are always of service to others whether it be committed through a program, in friendship, or with your family, you can be counted on when the road gets a little rough.

You use the Word to speak powerful truth in my life when I have worry or doubts, and push me to trust in the Lord with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. You have set an example of love spoken about in the Bible, of patience and kindness. You love me as I am.

Your heart and soul are beautiful, and our unexpected friendship amazes me. I don't know how I did life without you for so long, but I know that God brought us together at just the right moment to do great works for His one true purpose and I am so thankful for that.

Thank you for your friendship. I love you tons!