Save a girl.

Our lesson in relief society today (my last in my home ward for awhile!) was about the talk "When You Save a Girl, You Save Generations" by Mary N. Cook. Thinking about that, I decided that this post would be about a girl who saved me.

You see that girl on the left? That's Courtney (photo cred: not sure. But I got it off her facebook page). My freshman year in high school, she was a senior. And she honestly changed my life. As a freshman, I faced some pretty rough things with some friends. Courtney was there for me every step of the way. I told her everything, I turned to her for advice. She was my rock. She even wrote me a note that I still have today. I read it occasionally, and someday it will probably fall apart from countless unfoldings and refoldings.

I would not be who I am today without this girl. She taught me that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. She taught me that when things get rough I can turn to Him. She helped me strengthen my testimony. She taught me to keep going, even when things were hard. She would compliment me, and was always willing to help me fight my battles and come up with solutions to my problems. She even made me try on a prom dress once, since I wasn't old enough to go to prom. She included me in things she did, even with her friends and her boyfriend. Being the oldest in my family, I'd never had an older sibling, but she became my older sister. She's always set the example for me. She got married in the temple (I had the privilege of being at the temple even though I couldn't go in) and let me be a bridesmaid. She's an amazing example to me, and like I said, I would not be who I am or where I am today. I love you Courtney!

Also, going along with the lesson today, we were talking about how girls need another girl to turn to and to reach out to. One of my previous young women leaders shared this quote with us: "Girls need girls." So, I made this:

I encourage everyone out there reading this to be a friend, to reach out to those are struggling. You never know what impact the kindness you show might have.

One last thing: 3 DAYS. 3 days until I move out, start college, and become an "official adult." I know, saying that makes it sound less official and mature and all that. But hey, I'm young at heart! :)

Happy Sunday!