Page 67 - #LoveWarrior

both looked so happy. The song playing reflected both your hearts: You're never going to be alone from this moment
on. If you ever feel like letting go, I won't let you fall.”

This woman saved me. She came into my life at a time I had spiraled out of control. Taken over by my career, drive,
and ambition I was no longer recognizable – to myself or my family. She allowed me to step into an environment
where my true self could come out, where my peace was present. A quality friend such as this will create an
environment where you feel completely safe; safe to feel, safe to be honest, safe to grow and learn. They will be
patient with you, taking action in all things they know will strengthen you.

“Evelyn”

Originally one of my brides, “Evelyn” and I began our friendship from almost 3,000 miles away. Planning a
destination wedding, she decided to hire a local company to assist her with the wedding details. I remember when
my boss assigned me her file, I thought, ‘Massachusetts! That’s different.’ And boy was I right. Different she is.
“Evelyn” and I hit it off right away. Soon after getting introduced, I was so curious as to what this amazing woman
looked like; her kind tone and thoughtful personality. After I’m sure what was an odd email to receive, she sent me a
picture of her and her fiancé. The picture confirmed all that I had already gathered about this woman: playful,
gorgeous, and truly — badass. In the months to come, she would become one of my dearest friends.

A kindred spirit, she always finds a way to brighten my day. Cut from a different cloth, “Evelyn” is the kind of
woman that inspires legacy. She encourages me to seek adventure, not hold back, take chances and enjoy every
second along the way. Just recently she reminded me to “Follow your heart. Even if it doesn’t work out, there’s a
life lesson to be learned. And in happiness is happiness. Regardless of how you get there. Enjoy the smiles, the
butterflies and all the late-night chats.” In addition to being my very own romantic relationship advocate,
she’s the kind of woman I’ll always want by my side in a bar fight. She certainly is my ride or die chick. Quality
friendships such as this one will encourage you to dabble in excitement

“Madison”
Oh, this woman! She's a special kind of special. And I mean that with all the love and affection in the world. You
see, Madison is cut out of a different cloth. Innocent to many things sinful and corrupt, she has fought hard to keep
the communication lines between her and God static-free. I had the pleasure of witnessing this first-hand as her
roommate for almost two years.

One of my favorite stories with us happens to be the first time we met. She tells the story way better, but let me take
a swing at it. New student orientation found us in the same classroom, surrounded by the rest of the business
students. Our wonderful chairman instructed us to line up alongside the walls of the room in order of how far we had
traveled to attend Regent University. I thought I was sure to win. As I sat down all the way at the end of the room,
down the line came Madison. She began to approach me, and before she could open her mouth, I opened mine. “Oh,
you're not down this far. I'm from California!” Can you believe that? Not one of my proudest moments. She was
from Costa Rica but had been raised in Florida. I will say, thankfully, 22 months later, neither of us would recognize
that girl.

Two non-Virginians, we quickly learned how different the culture was. Because of this, we had the advantage of an
adventure every day. As the weeks and months went on, we learned more about each other, growing into kindred
spirits. We bonded over long nights cramming for a test, 8:00 am accounting lectures that seemed to never end,
incredible hockey games, and countless life-changing road trips. She knows the parts of my heart I try to hide, the
true emotions I try to dodge; nothing gets past her. We have laughed hysterically together, and we have cried
together. We have learned so much from one another. She taught me how to be patient and wait on the Lord's best. I
have taught her how to take a chance on love, how to be vulnerable with others.
A quality friendship such as this will inspire you to love greater.

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