uuuh, duh.
But no. Really. When I was younger I had trouble making friends. When I finally broke out of my shell, I didn't have the greatest friends in the world. I was hurt repeatedly by people, and I in turn, hurt the only real friends I had. This went on for a few years. It wasn't till I was converted that I finally started handling my relationships with friends in a more healthy way.
But a short year and a half after my conversion, I moved to Washington. This presented a challenge to me. It was time to rebuild community. Only this time around, I was starting fresh. No awkward ties to a painful past that is trying to be forgotten. Now, I can be whoever I want to be, and have relationships that don't backfire.
False.
Well actually, only about the "being whoever I want". I am who I am, and I made a decision a long time ago not to be a chameleon to each social group I put myself in. God made me this way. No matter where I live, I will always be Madison Rose. Nothing will change that.
But I did have an opportunity to build real friendships. And God is repeatedly showing me how much He loves me by bringing new people into my community to love on and grow in heart and spirit with. But my closest friends I have made here are the biggest shock to me.
I don't understand how I can know these people for such a short period of time, and some of them still do not know my testimony, but our hearts have intertwined together in a spiritual way that will never be broken.
My greatest friend that I've made 's name is Emma. She is constantly shocking me by her maturity in spirit and life. I can't quite express how great this relationship has been for me. For the first time, I feel like God has given me a friend. Right from His hand. He just handed her over, and said, "Here. She's for you. I want you to know her. I want you to see how much I love you. She will be a reminder to you of how much I love you. I've been excited for the day that you two can meet, and now I'm excited to show you everything I have in store for you in this friendship."
God is blessing me beyond words with friends and community. And it's only been 5 months. Thank you God. Your way is truly the right way. Thank you for bringing me to Washington.
