Dear Ava,

Dear Ava,

My GIRL hello!!! I wanted to write you this letter to let you know how grateful I am for everything I have learned from you in the past 8 months of friendship and our time on the Race together. You carry such deep wisdom and you hear from the Lord in such unique and valuable ways. He has gifted you with not only a heart that’s open to what He’s speaking, but also a heart that looks outward and immediately searches for ways to share and encourage others.

You are a woman of OBEDIENCE. We say so often that this is our favorite thing about you, but it’s simply so true and I don’t think I’ll ever say it enough. Saying yes to the Lord isn’t even a question for you, it’s just a natural reaction because you can’t even imagine another way of life. It’s deep dependence that flows out of your love for the Father and it’s beautiful. You’ve taught me the value of a quick and wholehearted yes and it’s something I will carry forever. You shaved your head after a few DAYS of feeling like He was calling you to, WHAT THE HECK!!! Not to mention you moved on after a huge step of obedience so effortlessly and truly lowered yourself to such humility before the Lord and others—you still won’t agree with me when I tell you you’re the coolest person I know. The big yes is always a testament to the way you say small yeses every day and it shows so clearly to people that don’t even know you.

You are a woman of INFLUENCE. The Lord has given you a sense of discernment and empathy for those around you that is actually ridiculous and you carry it so well. You walk into a room and instantly feel what the room feels, but you let it drive you to action. You love people so well and you are the type of friend that can be exactly what anyone needs, even when it seems like you have nothing left to give. You choose hard conversations and your obedience and wisdom gives you so much space to speak—when you open your mouth, people turn and listen. It’s such an honor to watch you lead so well and so humbly always and I am one of countless people that feel so honored to have you rooting for me and always calling me to heavenly standards. I don’t know what I would do without you!

You are a woman of BEAUTY. You have the prettiest heart I’ve ever seen and the way that you feel and love others is inspiring. You walk in constant awe of the Father and pursuit of who He is, to the point that people can see it on your face. You are so radiant always and your joy is contagious! I leave from time with you feeling filled, loved, and more aware of the Lord’s presence and everything He is doing!

I love you so much! You are such a gift to me and the Lord knew exactly what I needed when He gave me you!! You bring joy, accountability, love, wisdom, patience, and PERSPECTIVE to my life every day! Thank you for being so intentional and loving me through so much! YOU’RE THE BEST EVER AND I LOVE YOU SO BIG!!!!! Yet again, there’s no doubt that you’re the coolest person I know. I love you.

His love + mine,

bree

[ This is a letter that I wrote to my squad mate and sweet friend, Ava. I decided to post it to honor her and tell you all more about someone that I love so much. I hope you enjoyed and I cannot WAIT for you to meet her one day, she has so much to give always and it’s incredible! ]