The Speech Unspoken: A Maid of Honor's Second Chance

My best friend has been married half of an entire year already!  I look back on her special day very often and wish I could've expressed my gratitude for her better than I did.  It is well known that I am a woman of few words.  I am quiet and it is difficult for me to express myself verbally.  My speech wasn't what I hoped it to be, though Bethel says she loved it.  I feel the desire to finish the speech I started and fully express my complete gratitude for Bethel and my excitement for her marriage with Timmy!

Here is my second chance Bethel, in written form.  And if you ever decide to renew your vows know that I am preparing even now.

My Dearest Bethel,

How exciting it is to be a witness of all that God is doing in your life.  Since 2011 God has been doing tremendous things through our friendship.  I am incredibly grateful for his work in our lives and all that he has done because of this sweet friendship.  He gave me a friend with a similar story to relate to.  And through the sharing of these stories God has been sanctifying us, growing us and molding us into the image of the son.  He ordained this friendship 100% for his glory and his work in it has been amazing.  You have been my friend to mourn with and to rejoice with.  You are my friend that I bounce everything off of.  You are the one I turn to for correction and encouragement.  Bethel, you are always there!

This work God is doing has been so great with you by my side.  I've loved watching you grow and seeing the Lord shape you more and more into a woman after God's own heart.  I've been able to see God's work in you up close and personal.  When I met you, you protested men altogether. (Tim specifically, actually!)  But I got to see God mend and soften your heart to be able to receive this very special and extraordinary love that Tim is so excited to give and has waited so long to do so ;) .  This work is so beautiful to watch and sometimes extremely funny....

Over the last several years I've witnessed many stages of your relationship with Tim.  Starting with you proclaiming to the world, "Tim is like a brother to me and that's all," to sitting in Uno's hesitantly revealing that you "may" have feelings for Tim.  Finally, to your song choice for singing in the shower changing.  One day it was heavy party music.  The next day... sappy, slow love songs.

What a privilege it is to witness this beautiful work in your life and to walk side by side with you through it.

As you step into a new chapter of life I want you to know that I will always be here when you need girl time and to escape from those zombie video games.  I'm your girl for all your wardrobe revamping and hair styling needs.  I'm here for women only bible studies and orphan ministry projects.  I'm your prayer partner for a lifetime and I will always do my best to encourage you.

I couldn't be happier to share my Best Friend status with Timmy.  I know God is going to continue his beautiful work in your life with him by your side too.  Your relationship is firmly planted in Christ and nothing can shake that.  Our loving, gracious, almighty, strong, good and magnificent God that brought you guys together will keep you together until his work is complete.  I love you guys so much and I look forward to being a witness of the continuing, never failing work of God!

I love you so incredibly much, Bethy Bear!  My forever friend! xoxoxo