Titus 2 Tuesday

Today’s Titus 2 Tuesday, and I’m going to participate for the first time! Titus 2:1 says “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:11 – 15 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

So, I get to feature a woman who’s taught me something Godly. How blessed I am to have so many women I want to feature! I’ve told you all about my momma, my sister, and my Gma before. And I’m sure I’ll feature each of them again in coming weeks. But today, I feature my dearest friend, Jodi.

We’ve known each other all our lives. Literally. I have a little golden book that was to Baby Miller from Baby Outler. Our parents went to church together when our moms were pregnant with us. So, when I say I’ve known Jodi all my life, I’m being real. Growing up in the small town we grew up in, our friends were our church friends. We did everything together. All of us. Jodi and her cousin, Ashley, were always at my house, and my neighbor, John, was our age and in our youth group, and his house was where all the guys hung out. My poor parents. . . . I’m sure my mom felt like our doorway to our home was a revolving door that never stopped!

It was that revolving door that I distinctly remember flying WIDE open just as news was spreading of my Daddy’s death. I will never forget watching Jodi fly through that door as fast as any 15-year-old facing tragedy could ever go. She was immediately there to cry with me, comfort me, and just be my friend. Jodi was also one of a handful of friends who slept all around my room that night. I remember laying in my bed between my little sister and Jodi that night, being the only one still awake and sitting up thanking God for my friends who were there for me.
My mother, sister and I moved to Macon following my Daddy’s death. Then we went to college – clear across the state from each other. Still, I have many memories of times we spent together during those years.

We’ve laughed through teary eyes many times lately and said that we could make Lifetime movies out of our experiences. I’ll just leave it at that. But, at the ripe ole’ ago of 29, Jodi’s taught me so much about life. I’ve watched her faith be challenged and tested. And I’ve watched her faith bloom more beautifully than I ever would’ve imagined. She’s an amazing friend, incredible career woman, a loving wife, and a darn good mother.

I love you, my precious friend, and I admire you more than I could ever put into words. Thank you for being the epitome of a true blue friend.

*I am not able to upload the Titus 2 button to this post at work. How dare they put such blocks on my blogging life!?!?!?!?!