A Friendship Written by God

What I’m about to say today might not seem like it has anything to do with my writing journey, but it does. More than people may realize. Today, I witnessed my sister, my best friend, be placed in a very uncomfortable position… and still choose to stand in faith. Some of you reading this might be wondering, what does she have to do with your journey as a writer? Let me tell you. From the moment I even thought about becoming a writer back in 2020, she has been there for every step, every idea, every doubt. She encouraged me when I didn’t believe in myself. She gave input when I felt stuck. She helped with edits, ideas, and direction. She bought every single book, knowing she didn’t have to. She promoted me, she pushed me, she believed in me, even when I tried to hide in the background. Truthfully, there were moments I unknowingly battled imposter syndrome. I didn’t feel worthy of being seen. I didn’t feel “good enough” to stand in what God had given me. But she never let me shrink. She poured into me. She helped build my confidence. She reminded me without even realizing it, that what God placed inside of me was real. And I know she supported me the way she did because she truly believed in the gift God gave me. But what makes this even more powerful, is her story....

I know where she comes from. I’ve seen the church hurt. I’ve seen her lose her faith in Christ. I’ve seen her search, trying to fill that space through Buddhism, Catholicism, and other paths. And now? To see her today, a Co-Founder of HEART Outreach Inc. A woman who has fallen in love with Christ all over again. And not just quietly, but boldly. By that I mean my good sis has stepped out on faith to share her testimony and started her very own Podcast called, “Walking In Her Faith,” by Shakira Symone. It's on Spotify and Apple platforms so please go show your support. Back to what I was saying (lol), today I watched her stand in front of our church and lead devotional prayer with power, authority, and faith.

And I was speechless! To say I’m proud would be an understatement. Because what I saw today wasn’t just growth, it was transformation; it was God. And I will forever give her, her flowers while she can receive them. Because without a shadow of a doubt, I can say this:

Before I met her, I didn’t want friends. I didn’t trust what the word “friend” even meant.

It had lost all value to me. But over the past eight years, she has redefined that word.

She showed me loyalty. She showed me love. She showed me what it means to truly stand with someone. And I love her deeply for that. More than she will probably ever fully understand.