When God Gives A Girl A Brother.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her someone to play with — someone to push cars with, to ride bikes with, and to dress up with. And he gives her a hand to hold — when she’s afraid of the dark, nervous at the bus stop, or scared at the doctor.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her someone to laugh with —

someone to flip her frown when she’s been upset, someone to giggle uncontrollably with when no one else knows why, and someone to make her smile when no one else can.

And he gives her a hand to hold —

when she’s afraid of a risk she might take, nervous about a change that might happen, or scared of the unknown in the future.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her someone to learn with —

someone to try new things for the first time with, to learn tough lessons the hard way with, and to bravely explore new territory with.

And he gives her a hand to hold —

when she’s unsure of herself, when she’s made a mistake, or when she’s confused and feels alone.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her someone to bond with —

someone to share long car trips with, to experience new places with, and to sit still and just be with.

And he gives her a hand to hold —

when she needs his strength, when she needs his comfort, or when she needs his help.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her someone to make memories with —

someone to jump through the ocean waves with, someone to cross country borders with, and someone to build lasting friendships with.

And he gives her a hand to hold —

when she needs an honest opinion, when she needs serious advice, or when she needs a reminder of where her roots are.

When God gives a girl a brother…

He gives her a compass to guide her through storms, a sail to help carry along her dreams, a steady keel to set her straight when she needs it.

He gives her a confidant for her truths, a comrade for her adventures, a companion for her life.

And so, when God gave me a brother, he gave me you —

my forever friend and hand to hold.

And right after I thank him for you every night before bed,

I pray that you know you’ll always have my hand to hold, too.

This story originally appeared on A Place Within Me