“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay.” Ruth 1:16

This verse was in our marriage vows. I meant it then and I mean it now. It’s actually a super common part of many vows, with good reason. It’s a phrase of commitment, of deep and abiding love. A promise to stick it out through anything and everything.

But I also think it’s an important phrase to exist within a friendship. I’ve experienced all too well the kind of friendships that aren’t life-giving, that hurt worse than any break-up when it ends. So, this year I’m focusing on being the kind of friend my own heart yearns for.

I want to be the kind of friend who stays by your side when the storm you’re in is too strong and too loud for you to withstand alone. I want to pray for you and with you. I want to praise God with you when the miracle happens and help your remember God’s kindness when His answers don’t make sense. I want to talk about the confusing parts of the Bible and hear your testimony of God’s goodness in your life.

Whatever you need, I’m here. Coffee? I’ll buy. Shoulder to cry on? I’ve got the tissues. Someone to celebrate with? I’ll bring the confetti popper.

Where you go, friend, I will go. Where you decide to stay, friend, I will stay there too.

And I hope you will be that friend for me.