The first time I meet Carrie I thought she was beautiful. She moved with an energized grace and gentleness that was (and is) captivating. From the very first time I meet her I was intrigued and curious and felt that I would like to get to know her. As I saw her more I learned a little more about her and saw her passion for those in need and her desire to really serve and help and make a difference in the world. I learned that she had spent time living in South America and that she had traveled to many interesting places. As I got to know a little more about her I wanted to know more.

Then Carrie hosted a baby shower. It was the most beautiful and creative event I’ve ever been a part of. The shower told me a lot about Carrie and her creativity and heart for authentic relationships and genuine connections. It also was the first time I ever went to Carrie’s house. It was that day that I became convinced that Carrie and I would be friends. It’s funny how much someone’s home can tell you about them… Carrie’s home told me things about Carrie’s unique, eclectic and beautiful style. It told me about her love for story – her house is filled with old antiques and beautiful little things that clearly have a story behind them. It told me about her love for and knowledge of literature and good books. Through the shower and her house I saw a little bit of Carrie’s heart and I knew right then that I had found a kindred spirit.

Since then I have been privileged to be Carrie’s friend. She has graciously shared some of her life and heart with me and I feel honored and blessed by the experience. Carrie is one of the most real and authentic and genuine people I’ve ever met and it is so refreshing to be around her. She is one of the most insightful and wise women I know and she continually stretches me. I feel better for having been around her. She is patient with others and never judging. She asks good questions and has a unique and beautiful way of looking at things.

My friend Carrie encourages me to be more the person God made me to be. Her honesty and openness in her relationship with God and her struggles with Him inspire me. The beautiful person that she is inspires me. Carrie is one of those beautiful people who every time I’m around her I think of this C.S. Lewis quote about friendship:

“In a good friendship each member often feels humility towards the rest. He sees that they are splendid and counts himself lucky to be among them.”

Carrie, you are splendid!! And I count myself lucky and blessed to be your friend. May you feel deeply loved and valued today in whatever the day brings you. May you know that you are uniquely and wonderfully made and that God made no mistakes when he made you. You are beautiful! May God’s hope and love pour over you today and in the days to come. And may you experience His resurrection power -that transforming power that brings to the world good news of great joy!

Thank you for being my friend!  

Rejoicing in the journey - Beth Stedman

Photograph by Beth Stedman