Wednesday, June 17, 2015

A Friend in Me by Pamela Havey Lau

Friendships. I remember making my first friend in preschool and getting a Minnie Mouse postcard in the mail when her family took a trip to Disney World. I still have that postcard.
 
I've learned a lot about friendships in my 29 years. And being a good friend is something that I think I can constantly be working on. So when A Friend in Me by Pamela Havey Lau was brought to my attention I relished to opportunity to read some insights from someone who had made friendships and those relationships a priority in her life and who knew what a blessing that those same relationships could be in her own life. I was excited to dive in to this book.
 
What I enjoyed most about this book was the authenticity of Pamela's writing. This is a book that comes from experience, good and bad and sad all rolled into one story. It's the story of how these friendships and relationships that we share with younger and older women can serve as reaffirming reminders of the gospel in our lives as well as their lives.
 
One of my desires in life is to be a good friend. To be someone who cultivates friendships and through whatever experience I have, am able to share that with others. I have the pleasure of meeting weekly with three teenage girls and I love our time together. We eat ice cream, go to Chipotle, and talk about life together. It is a humbling thing to be used by the Lord in these girls' lives. I've witnessed them grow and connect with me and also with each other. Every week my heart is encouraged by them. I read this book for them. I know I am not the perfect leader, I don't have all the answers to life's questions, but I don't want to waste their time.
 
A Friend in Me has shared practical life experience on how to make time with others more impactful. Lau shares her heart when it comes to mentoring those younger and also how it is important to seek out a mentor in your own life. This is a book that does not back down from difficult topics. Lau is blunt and honest about questions we should ask and conversations that we should have. After having finished the book I wasn't left with a downcast attitude of "I have done everything wrong" but instead felt encouraged. Encouraged not only by Lau's words but by examples of women in my own life.

 
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.