through fire.

There is nothing more life-giving than when someone truly believes in you. 

Not the cliche, slap-on-the-back "I believe in you." 

Nope. 

Not that. 

I'm talking about the "I've-got-your-back-no-matter-what, you-can-do-this, I'm-amazed-by-you" super cheerleader that it takes a special person with special love and special heart to be to you. 

I can sit across the coffee-date table with a friend and say, "Girl, you've got this." And it goes a long way, I'm sure. I'm not discounting that. 

I can email blogosphere friends that I've never met in person and share a prayer request and they can say, "Lyss, we will pray." and that means the world. I'm not discounting that. 

But when my people, and by that I mean my people, tell me that they believe in me, it goes to the end of me. It moves past belief and into action. and it has the power to move me past belief and into action. 

Today, I'd like you to meet two of my dearest friends. We have walked through fire together. 

Let me explain: we're in nursing school together. 

It's a fire, guys. Let me tell you. 

and we get to do it together. 

These two know what it looks like to believe in someone. They know what it's like to link arms and not let go no matter the fear, apprehension, anger, or unfairness they might face. 

They know what it's like to believe, then act on it. and I'd just like to thank them. 

For walking through crazy nursing school with me. For fighting for what's right. 

For being my friends, and big sisters. 

For knowing what it means to believe in the impossible. 

I love you both. 

To be honest, words escape me when it comes to the incredible Heather. Where do I even begin? She is fiercely loyal. Fiercely loyal. She is the definition of bold, the definition of sincere, and the definition of brave. She is studying to be a nurse (a profession in which she will SOAR), and I feel blessed beyond measure to be able to journey alongside her. Though she fills many roles... fiancee, momma, daughter, student... I am most selfishly grateful that she fills the role of friend. She will be a special part of my world for my whole life long, of this I am sure. 

Katelyn is my seat buddy for this year's obnoxious concoction of nursing school classes. Oh my goodness, do we have fun. She is tender-hearted and spirited, focused and resilient, and the perfect person to be crazy with. I think my most favorite thing about this sweet friend is her deep deep love for family. She represents devotion and faithfulness and flawlessly demonstrates the beauty that comes from a life spent with those you love. I love learning from your example, Kate. Thank you.

Today, I encourage you to find your people, and tell them that you are their biggest fan. 
You believe in them. 
You know they are incredible. 
That with you, love trumps all the rest. 
That you are going to stick around. Through fire. 
... just as these two have done with me. 
Then just step back. 
and watch them fly. 
Jesus, thank you for Heather and Kate. Can't imagine life without them. 
Love to you, friends. Love to you.