A Letter to My Small Group

My very first blog post was all about how thankful I am for my teachers. 

Similarly, I'm so very thankful for my Bible Study leaders/ teachers. 

So I figured I could write one for them, too. 

Then I realized...that same love and gratitude stretches so far beyond those people. 

So I think this is just going to be a letter to my Bible study class/small group. Both leaders and others...

For holding me as I cried.

For rejoicing with me over my triumphs. 

For praying for me in my heartache.

For truly being my best gals...

I've told Hannah and Maggie a time or two how much of an answered prayer they both (and Jen..I don't think I've told you, but you, too) are. I don't even have the words to express how incredibly honored and grateful I am to get to have each of them walk with me through life. It's the greatest, and

it's the same way for each of my other sisters in Christ. For the ones who I sit next to in class every single day, and who I hold hands with and pray for.

From D-Now, to the Awakening, to Big Stuf, and VBS, to new school years, and different heartache and times of praise...These girls are some of my biggest supporters.

Friends,
Thank you for being just that. Our group is a unique one. We grew up together. We're spending (so far) the best of our lives together, and we will get to see eventually how much better what is to come truly is. 

You girls and friends can be my rock when I've had a bad day, some of my greatest cheerleaders, and some of the best shoulders to cry on. 

Thank you for never ever judging me as I share my struggles with you.

Thank you for letting me text you at any hour.

Thank you for being in ridiculous (but ridiculously fun) group snaps with me. 

Thank you for being what I need in a friend and an encourager, when I don't deserve it at all.

Thank you for encouraging me through my triumphs and trials.

Thank you for the gift of crying with you. Of rejoicing with you. Of praying for you. It is one of the greatest honors.

Thank you for never hesitating to talk to me when you need me.

Thank you for letting me be myself around you. That is truly rare.

Thank you for being my friend when it wasn't the easiest.

Thank you for loving me through my awkwardness.

Thank you for listening to me be loud.

Thank you for letting me put glitter allllll over you. 

Thank you for praying about even the smallest APUSH quizzes.

Thank you for holding my hand throughout High School, and continuing to do so until we graduate. 

Thank you for always being excited when I bring breakfast. It makes me excited, too. 

Thank you for the best D-Nows!! 

Thank you for loving me when I felt as if I was the most unlovable. 

Thank you for making this path we get to walk together the most fun. 

My gratitude for you all stretches so far. 

My prayer for each and every one of you friends of mine is that you will somehow be impacted by me in the same way that I have by you. You girls have absolutely NO IDEA how big my love is for you, or how big you have touched my heart. I adore every one of you, and there is no doubt in my mind how BIG God is going to use each and every one of us to shake up his kingdom, either. I am so proud to be your friend and sister in Jesus. Thank you for showing me the beauty of that relationship.

Alllllllllll my love, 

Elle❤

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10