Perfect as You Are

Holli is the kind of friend who loves well. She is caring, kindhearted, empathetic, and compassionate. Holli isn’t afraid to ask me how I’m really doing. She sees the best in me (and in everyone). She has the most contagious laugh, and is full of pure joy.

Holli was my maid of honor, and I was her matron of honor. We were college roommates, and before that, we were in traveling singing groups with our church. We are both very in-tune to others’ feelings, and have been known to cry and laugh at the same time. Two peas in a pod. Best friends. That has always been us.

We don’t get to see each other very often, but whenever we do, we pick up right where we left off. A lot of time can go by between conversations, but I always know that Holli cares about me. And Holli always knows that I care about her. We have that understanding, which has made our friendship full of grace. We often send each other text messages or cards, which always include: “I love you.”

We have the kind of friendship that is full of shared joy and pride during times of celebration, and shared tears during sadness and sorrow.

I asked Holli what authentic friendship means to her:

Authentic friendship is joy for your friend in her triumphs, despite your mis-steps and failures. It’s knowing that she feels the same pride when you rise to an occasion. It is what brings you through your roughest days: the knowledge that someone thinks of you, and prays for you. It is small texts (and yes, even emojis) that come at the perfect moment, sorrowful or bright, that remind you of your value to them, and in Christ. Authentic friendship looks like many, many different things. Most of all, I believe it is the wonderful and peaceful truth that: your value does not change, that you are blessedly free from comparison, and that despite your faults and failures–you are deeply loved and cared for, you are worth a thought, and you are perfect as you are.

No matter where life takes us, Holli and I will always be two peas in a pod. We will always cry to our husbands because we miss each other. And we will always have each other’s back. Always and forever. 

Do you have any life-long friendships like that? Thank God for those friendships.

Love, Ali xo

This is part of a series called 31 Days of Authentic Friendship. Click here to see all posts.