August of 2010: Freshmen year was about to begin at Wheaton College, and I was excited but knew no one except for a guy I graduated high school with. I knew that I would begin to grow closer to my cross-country teammates, but I was focused on making friends on my freshman floor: Fischer 4West. Our RA, Thea had gathered all 50 of the girls on our hallway together and reassured us that we were not alone and that we could come to her if we needed anything. Well, I needed a buddy. And I knew she wouldn’t walk with me to my 8am! Brittany was someone that I was able to walk to breakfast with freshmen year (7:03!!) where I learned about God’s love and feasted on her wisdom. Brittany, you are a woman after God’s own heart. I love you and thank you for always praying. Another wonderful memory was also during Orientation where our floor met together to play some games that were meant to be helpful in learning each other’s names. Everyone was to pick an adjective with the same letter as their name and have a hand motion to go with it. “Lovely Lauren”, “Tender Thea”, etc. When it was Brittany’s turn, she chose “Buoyant Brittany” with a hand motion that looked like staying above a wave. And I think of her like that: Staying afloat and anchored to God’s Word and His gospel when life’s storms hit.

Mary and I were assigned together in a classroom when we met in August of 2020. We had never met before, but we shared one thing in common: We had survived the trials and seen the joys of teaching. She was a mid-Atlantic girl from the DMV area (PG County!) who taught Latin. I was coming in from another school to teach English and Writing in 6th grade. I can honestly say that from the moment I met her, I was in bad shape. I was worried about joining this new teaching post and wondered if I’d ever have enough confidence to face students with love again. I can also honestly say that from the moment she met me, she loved me. In genuine realness, she simply and powerfully loved the person in front of her (the super-guarded person in front of her). She is genuinely one of the funniest people you will ever meet, and holds the joy when it’s trying its best to run away. With her, I’ve been able to eat blue crab (the correct way), see Maryland AND Delaware (an underestimated state), laugh wholeheartedly again, pray more fervently, and keep our eyes on the eternal. Additionally, we also began a club together: The MH Club. I surrendered to the silliness and now meeting with her at our “spot” is still a highlight of my week every week. I’ll always be a lifetime member, Mary. Love you all the way.

What is most excellent about my friend Kristen is that she has not wavered from keeping her eyes on the Lord and continues to hold onto her friendships even as time and circumstance may pull them apart. She keeps adding life into friendships with cards, gifts, videos, hugs, hospitality, and endless support. She has been my cheerleader and prayer warrior in Memphis, Starkville, College Station, St. Louis, Boston, and Huntsville. Who deserves that kind of blessing? God does indeed give us abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. It’s humbling. It’s sacred. It’s worth more than any accountant can count. Kristen, I love you and wish we lived closer, but the Lord continues to work good through you. I know you’ve touched so many for the Lord, but I just wanted you to know I am one. Only one, but one who is grateful.

Protective, loyal, outspoken, and confident, Steph is the kind of friend you want to sit on a couch with when you’re hurting and who you want in your corner when you know you need to act. She observes and reads people well. She has a welcoming nature, letting me cry on her couch or crash in her spare bedroom. She has taught me about how to handle myself in the workplace. She has gone away from Memphis and has earned her stripes. She refuses to judge me and prizes my gifts as much as I prize hers. I don’t know if she’ll ever know how proud I am of her. I have countless memories with Steph but the ones I cherish most are when we starred in our senior play “Fiddler On the Roof” together (I have a DVD of this. It’s priceless and I will never get rid of it.), our phone calls in college when I needed to hear a familiar voice, time in Memphis catching up, and being with her in the joy of meeting and marrying the love of her life, Jonathan (& Mr. Mo). I don’t remember a day without my Steph, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Steph, I love you. You mean so much to me. Thank you for being a soft place to land for me. You’ll never know how much that has meant to me.

Corinne and I will be sisters! Although we are not sisters by blood or by Greek blood (Chi O!), she has welcomed me in with such grace. She is 4 years younger than Zach and lives in The Nations area of Nashville in the most adorable house with her friends. She loves those she meets with faithfully, adores dogs, and serves the Lord. I first met Corinne in July of 2024. Zach and I were newly dating and after exploring Chattanooga, we ended our trip driving to Nashville to see Berry Farms and to visit her before we went home. We ate at The Frothy Monkey. Time flew by as I watched her and Zach interact with each other as siblings and as friends. It was a delight. I remember her retelling a story where she had felt loved by him, and I couldn’t help but see the evidence of their sweet relationship: Where, as adults, they had become confidantes and friends, strong and true. She has continually had a listening ear for things that have been going on and has trusted me with things that have been on her heart. What a gift you are to me, Corinne. God sees you, and He has a plan!💙

Sarah and I will be sisters! She is 11 years younger than Zach. She currently is living the sweet college life at UT Knox. My first memory of Sarah was actually through a picture. A good friend of Zach’s Mom, Sissy Hickman, sent me pictures of Zach’s family in June 2024. Zach’s Mom had posted a picture on Instagram of Sarah’s high school graduation. My first thought was, “Wow, she is gorgeous.” My second thought was, “I wish I could do my eyeliner like hers!”😂 As Zach and I kept dating throughout the summer, he expressed his desire for me to meet his family and specifically Sarah because she was heading off to freshman year. Zach let me join in on their outing to Jerry’s on a hot August afternoon. I was grateful that she answered all my questions about school, dogs, the Bachelorette, and what factors are necessary to a relationship. I could tell she had some wisdom buried down deep, and I wanted to hear it! When around Sarah, I feel like it’s a great treasure hunt, knowing full well that that the observations she shares challenge me to ponder slowly and purposefully. She also happens to be a wonderful tea-drinking buddy and understands my love for cleaning :). What a gift you are to me, Sarah. The Lord will never stop loving you.

Erica is my sister-in-law, and I love her very much. She grew up in the Dallas area and went to Baylor where she met my big brother, Joseph. My first memory of Erica is getting a Facebook friend request from Erica in November of 2010. I knew he had begun to date someone in October, but I couldn’t imagine that he could date anyone as beautiful as her! I met her for the first time in May of 2011 during Joseph’s graduation. I had just finished my freshman year, and after meeting her, I wanted nothing more than for Joseph to hang onto her! I’m so grateful that we officially became sisters in August of 2013. She has always (and I mean always) be a gift to our family. She is wise, comforting, and straight up fun. Because I don’t get to see her very much because she and Joseph live out in Arizona, I cherish every moment that I get to spend with her. Erica, I love you so and I can’t wait for us to stand beside each other again…just as we did nearly 12 years ago! 💙

William and I have been friends in many seasons--something I'm blessed to be able to say about a lot of my friends, but that doesn't make him any less special to me. We've been crazy high schoolers together, catch-up friends between college semesters, and young adults in Memphis together. I have little doubt that we'll be friends for many more seasons. He's a fantastic critical thinker, a loyal friend, a great travel companion, and a radiology resident. (Fun fact: William knows more about the airline business than anyone else I know.)

Mitchell is one of my dearest and best friends. We've spent countless hours together getting up to who-knows-what. We've been a great team for years: Mitchell will come up with a crazy fun idea, and inevitably, I will anxiously tag along. Now we can both say we married ECS girls. To quote Lord of the Rings, "He has been my friend for many adventures." (Fun fact: Mitchell was a longsnapper in high school.)

Connor and I met our freshman year at UTK, where we both got our degrees in accounting. He's the glue that holds our friend groups together, and I treasure knowing that he's always available for a quick chat or a long conversation. He's one of the most competent people I know--consistent and persistent, and always with the greatest kindness. (Fun fact: Connor was the third highest scorer in the state in lacrosse his senior year at Collierville.)

Colin and I grew up together at Second Presbyterian Church, and Colin has never wavered in being a reliable, kind, godly, and principled man. Colin has a great gift that he shares with everyone he meets: he never makes you feel bad about who you are. We've watched countless soccer and Grizzlies games together, and I look forward to many, many more. (Fun fact: our dads were roommates post-college.)

Matt's my dad and my best man, but he's also one of my best friends. He's a man of God that strives to do the right thing in all circumstances, especially for those he loves. He and my mom Grace have been so kind to me in so many ways and in so many seasons. I thank God for them every chance I get. (Fun fact: his favorite artist is Winslow Homer.)

Hugh and I grew up at Second Presbyterian Church together, and his strength and leadership have helped me become the man I am today. I think its a testament to our bond of friendship and God's kindness that we can still pick up the phone and catch up. Hugh always has a wise word of encouragement to dole out at the best times, and he's someone I'll cherish as long as he'll let me hang around. (Fun fact: Hugh & his wife Glenn have gone on a motorcycle expedition in India.)

John and I grew up at Christ Methodist Day School together, and I still remember his house being one of the first times I spent the night away from home. He has been a joyous friend for as long as I can remember. Whether it was hanging out in our college dorm room or at his apartment in Nashville, John is an energizing force for fun and laughter. I'll be going to dinner with him as long as he'll keep inviting me. (Fun fact: John has the best collection of house plants one could ever imagine.)

Ashton is one of the kinder and more pensive people I know. I'm fortunate enough to have he and his wife Annie right down the street from Meredith and I's future home. He's artistic, devoted, thoughtful, and funny on the sly. I'm thankful that he calls me "friend," and I'm thankful for all of the time we've spent together. (Fun fact: Ashton is a triplet, and he also has his counseling degree.)

Hall and I have always been friends, but we got to be even better friends post-college. He's outgoing, optimistic, and always believes the best in people--terrific gifts for showing the world the gospel of Jesus. He's the first to help and eager to do good things. Hall brings joy and companionship to any gathering, and I'm so thankful he's my friend. (Fun fact: Hall is a skilled woodworker.)