Lemme Tell You Bout My Girl Idalis

So this chick is 18 now. She's a freshman at Towson. She's basically my little sister. We grew up together in church and she's wonderful. She keeps me sane. She makes me laugh. She is kind and fun and real and strong and talented. And best of all, she is so freaking grounded in her faith. I cannot stress that enough to you. Like, I am not in the slightest bit concerned for her. Sure, college has changed her a bit. College changes people! She is more open about her feelings (though knows how to keep important things to herself). She is more willing to listen to those around her, and understand that different opinions are okay, and that they don't have to shape her opinions if she doesn't want them to. She goes out more than she did before. She wears makeup. She's finding herself! With a great support system and people looking out for her. And she's happy about these new character developments. But seriously, she is so level-headed and intelligent. She is making all the right choices and getting the most out of her college experience.

So when she called me today to tell me that someone accused her of having changed and no longer living as a Christian woman should, I laughed. Firstly, because I saw that coming a mile away. Secondly, because her own mother is okay with this new Idalis. Thirdly, because all this does is prove how high on their own horse this other person is, which would explain why Idalis' immense love for the Lord and desire to please Him now seems small to them. I feel honored that she would come to me to talk when she felt so hurt. But mostly, I am glad that I know for a fact: she cares about her testimony and her relationship with God more than anything else, and when it's called into question she will take it personally. BUT she's also confident enough in said relationship to know that she is in the right place and she does not owe any explanations to others. This girl will do great things, and will probably win many souls for the Lord because of her incredible testimony. I believe in her. And I'm so happy that she is finding herself. It's a shame that this other person can't understand how beautiful that really is.