A few weeks ago I said I would be writing posts about people who have "marked" my life in some significant way. Well, it has been crazy, busy and I'm sure there are even more people who have been added to the list but today I'm getting ready to see one of my dearest (was going to write oldest, but she isn't old) friends, so she is who you get to hear about this time.
Lori is kind, gentle, generous, persistent, kind, strong, beautiful, kind, creative, hardworking, and oh, did I mention kind? You know those people that make you think differently, ask better questions and hopefully bring out the best qualities in you? Well, Lori is one of those people in my world. We haven't lived in the same city for more than 5 years now but she still influences the way I do ministry, forgive people when I'm hurt and helps me remember that true kindness is as valuable as being right.
I have learned to love people that I will likely never see because Lori brought them to life! She helped kids (and adults) learn about other kids that don't look like us. eat like us or play like us, but that God loves as much as He loves us.
She is the one person who could say, "Debby, go in your office and close the door. I will let you know when you are allowed to come out and talk to people again." By the way, this was usually after a very long day in the office when all of my "filter" was gone.
I really could go on and on about what a terrific wife, mom, daughter, friend she is and I could tell you story after story of how we laughed until we cried but let me just say this:
If there has been a time when I have interacted with you and spoken a kind word rather than just being direct, it might have been influenced by this woman's ability to speak truth in love.
I am forever "marked" by this most amazing woman, can't wait to see her again!
