I was given the immense honor of speaking about Diane today, and I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start. I’ve known her for 7 years. She’s one of my best friends. So I figured I would use her name to describe the wonderfully made creation that is Diane.
D for DEDICATED:
Once Diane loves you, she loves you for life. Whether she’s your friend or your child’s Small Group Leader. Diane doesn’t give up on you, and won’t walk away from you. If you need something, she offers help without hesitation even if its just being there or listening. As a mother, she is dedicated to teaching her kids about Jesus and building their character regardless of what it costs herself.
I for INSPIRING:
She loves in incredible and inspiring ways. She doesn’t want just to get by. She goes the extra two miles. She inspires me as a mother in the ways she loves her kids unconditionally, inspires me as a friend in the ways she shares authentically, and encourages me in the ways she loves her small group kids. For her small group, she asked them for their prayer requests, recorded them, is praying for them and then checks back with them. They are seeing some of these requests being answered by Jesus. They get to experience that Jesus listens to them! And that He’s real!
A for ANIMATED:
Have you ever been around her? She is just so fun! The way she says things and does things and her facial expressions. No wonder why it’s a joy to be around her! She teaches me to let loose and have fun, especially with your own kids! Be silly!
N for NATURAL:
She truly has a God-given gift of loving others, especially children. Children have a sense of who they can trust, and they know they are safe with her. It just comes so easily to her. She knows what to do to ease their hurts, keep their interest, and have fun with them.
E for ENCOURAGING:
When my heart is so heavy or sad, and I don’t know what to do, God reminds me that I have Diane. In some of the hardest and scariest times of my life, I’ve run to Diane. She’s given me truth and direction, yet with so much love to cover my hurts and fears. She meets you wherever you’re at reminding you of truth, yet never holding expectations over you.
E is also for EAGER because her whole being and heart is eager to fall head over heels in love with Jesus and follow him wherever He leads. Stay close to Diane, and you’ll stay close to Jesus.
So Diane, I want to thank you for never ever giving up. As Yvette, her leader said, she leans on Jesus daily and waits for HIM to do the work. Even when it looks dark, impossible, and hopeless. Thank you for denying yourself over and over again and holding on to Jesus with all your might. Because you do, you can hold on to those he’s called you to love with all the strength of Jesus. A strength that’s unending and always present. I love you so very much.