CassieWhat a beautiful day it has been.
Seeing as it is my best friend Maddie’s birthday, I thought I would blog about the way we’ve grown together since meeting each other, and just how much incredible work Jesus has done in and through her to challenge and draw me closer to Him.
I met Maddie on my first day of orientation to university, two and a half years ago, although it feels like I’ve known her my whole life.
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We clicked instantly, and this formed this fast friendship of non-judgement but fervent accountability, pursuit of Jesus Christ in everything, and, always, endless laughter and joy.
We were both in the trenches with some debilitating mental illnesses that the other was able to shine light in.
Maddie’s absolutely unexplainably normal relationship with food was a constant light and conviction in my life, the Lord revealing the idol it was in my life through the very minor place it sat in Maddie’s. While I’ve been around “normal eaters” my whole life, this fresh perspective, coupled with such trust and study of the Word and time in prayer with Maddie, provided new insight that God used to instruct me.
Maddie loves to talk about the person of Jesus, and to awe in Him. When I am “being dumb,” she tells me, and when she is “being dumb,” I tell her, and we do not hesitate to pray when we have questions. And there are no stupid questions or thoughts or worries– they are just brought up between us.
And usually a long rant will turn into fits of laughter, even if the conversation was at times emotional or one of us struggling. We hold each other accountable on every aspect of our lives being for the cause of Christ, and I thank Jesus alone for that work He’s done in us as individuals and friends.
Walk with the wise and become wise. Proverbs 13:20
Maddie, you doll and forever sister, I cherish our friendship so much and can’t imagine life without you. I am so blessed to have spent this celebration of your 20 years with you today, and cannot wait to celebrate all the rest of them together.
I also am reminded of the wonderful Bible Study I got to lead last night. Over coffee and a peanut butter ball, the girls’ life group and I talked about the Lord needing intercessors– not those who seek their own fulfillment, but those who have been touched by the Holy Spirit to know that only His fulfillment is worthy in this world. That often looks like simply being dutiful in prayer, expectant and prepared for how He plans to use us, anguish us, and equip us.
He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. Isaiah 59:16
So while friendships are so important, Maddie and I keep each other accountable in our individual prayer lives and time with Jesus, too, because He is the only One who can outpour meaning and Truth into everything else.
