I’ve often told my seventeen-year-old daughter that one of the traits I most admire in her is her loyalty to her friends. Let’s face it, in a world where words like frenemy exist, having a loyal friend is a true gift.

Through the messy seasons of middle school and now 3/4 through high school, I have watched my daughter remain steadfast even to the girls who have not been so loyal to her.

How is it that we encourage loyalty in our girls? How do we help them understand the value of being a loyal friend?

BEING A LOYAL FRIEND COUNTS

First, I should admit that Casiday is loyal in large part because that’s her personality. Giving the benefit of the doubt, not holding grudges, and extending forgiveness come easily to her for the most part. But, I’ve also watched her wrestle through some difficult relationships and even walk away from some friendships where she was being used.

As I thought about what it is to be loyal, one Bible character immediately came to mind — Ruth.

I love Ruth’s story. I love that she stood by Naomi when she really had no reason to do so. I love that she cared for Naomi even though the older woman said God had taken everything from her. I love that she provided for Naomi in spite of Naomi’s bitterness (remember, she renamed herself Mara which means bitter).

Ruth is a beautiful example of a loyal friend. And that’s one of the biggest reasons I love the new Bible Belles book—Ruth: the Belle of Loyalty.

It is, as all the other Bible Belles books, beautifully illustrated and high quality. But what I love the most about these books is the incredible storytelling that draws us in to both Rooney’s adventure and the biblical character’s life. Erin Weidemann has a gift in this area of inviting us to see familiar stories with fresh eyes as we share them with our daughters.

We love Bibles Belles and the Weidemanns and all they are doing to encourage and equip girl moms. They truly have a heart for helping all of us raise daughters who are bell-ringers for the Kingdom of God.

If you want a tool to help you talk with your daughter about what it means to be loyal and how she can become a loyal friend, Ruth: the Belle of Loyalty is the resource you need!

And, if you want to take it one step further, we also recommend you get the downloadable devotion, Becoming a Belle of Loyalty. In fact, you can get the devotions that go with all four of the current Bible Belles books as a bundle! These are great for helping your daughter dig a little deeper into the story and develop a plan for living out the character traits revealed in each of the Belles.

Check out Ruth and the other Bible Belles books and products on their website. And while you’re there, be sure to peek at all the other resources and encouragement they provide.

We are thrilled to be able to giveaway a signed copy of the newest book, Ruth: the Belle of Loyalty, to one of our readers! To enter, simply leave a comment sharing one of the traits you most admire in your daughter. Contest is open through 10:00 pm Friday, May 12, and winner will be notified by email.

Also be sure to follow us on Instagram — we’re giving away a second signed book over there! Double your chances to enter!!

Giveaway is now over and winners have been notified.

So tell us, what is a trait you most admire in your daughter?