First Lady Dianne Bentley commented, "When you are young you think you need one best friend. Then when you allow your heart to open up God will show you many friends." 

As First Lady, God is bringing many new friends into her life. Each of these friends meets a different need but all are treasured. She received this email titled, "Circle of Friends," that she wanted to share. She is looking forward to her journey as it continues and all of the new friends that she will meet.

            “One friend is needed when you are going through things with your mom,

Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities

            Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hunt, joke, or just be

            Another friend will say, “let’s cry together.”

            Another, “let’s fight together.”

            Another, “let’s walk away together.”

One friend will meet your spiritual need,

            Another your shoe fetish,

            Another your love for movies,

            Another will be with you in your season of confusion,

            Another will be your clarifier,

            Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,

            On whatever occasion, on whatever the day,

Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,

            Or hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself….

            Those are you best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many its wrapped up in several.

            One from seventh grade, one from high school, several from the college years,

                        A couple from old jobs

            On some days your mother,

            On some days your neighbor,

            On others your sisters,

            And on some days your daughters.

So whether they have been a friend for twenty minutes or twenty plus years, thank God for placing them in your life, and thank them for making a difference to you.”

This was given to the First Lady by a special group of friends, her Bible study group in Tuscaloosa. The picture is of the state of Alabama and in each county are words that describe the uniqueness of each location.

Alabama is full of wonderful places, people, and history.