If you know Lauren, you know how good she is. I know that is such a vague word to use when describing someone, but seriously Lauren is so freaking good. She has been a treat to me in the Fellows program.
Lauren and I had no hard time finding ways that we could connect with each other. From marvel movies, to trying new coffee shops just to realize we stand for corporate coffee and will always choose Starbucks, and to obnoxiously singing Hamilton songs everywhere. But one of my favorite conversations that I had with Lauren was on a Genogram retreat with Jason Young.
The assignment was to identify where you've been hurt in life and then to place tape on your bodies to share your scars with each other. This was such an intimidating exercise, and really vulnerable too. When I found out I was paired with Lauren for this exercise, my anxiety crept away. Sharing my scars with Lauren was easy, sharing that information with her felt like she had walked alongside me in every moment that the piece of tape depicted on my body.
When I think about Lauren I’m reminded of Ruth in the Bible. (another point of connection Lauren and I have, as we both love the book of Ruth.)
14 Again they cried openly. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye; but Ruth embraced her and held on. 15 Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law is going back home to live with her own people and gods; go with her.” 16-17 But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God—not even death itself is going to come between us!” 18-19 When Naomi saw that Ruth had her heart set on going with her, she gave in. And so the two of them traveled on together to Bethlehem.
Being friends with Lauren often feels like this. Lauren is a friend that goes where you go and stays where you stay. You know when her presence is gone and you feel her willingness to love others well is servant hearted. I often feel like there’s no point in hiding who I am with Lauren, as I know she loves me for all of me and chooses to celebrate that with me. I’ve got no doubt that I’m not the only one who feels this way about her.
I love you steadfast sister,
melon.