Becoming “Bo”

There are few things in life as sweet as the bond of family, and for me, that bond is wrapped up in a simple but special name: Bo. It’s the name my three little cousins gave me, and with it, they gave me one of the greatest honors of my life. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of the love, trust, and connection we share. This small word carries a world of meaning, filling my heart with gratitude for the precious role I get to play in their lives.

From the beginning, my relationship with them has been one of the most beautiful parts of my journey. I’ve watched these little ones grow from toddlers into incredible young individuals, each with unique personalities and God-given gifts. And in the midst of all I hope to teach them, they end up teaching me more about love than I ever imagined I needed to learn. Though they aren’t mine by birth, I’ve vowed to love them as if they are—to be a steadfast source of support, encouragement, and guidance they can count on.

The eldest, with her dark curly hair, is turning into a beautiful young woman. She’s growing up so fast that it makes my heart ache. There’s a part of me that wants to keep her under my wing, shielded from the world. But I know her journey is her own, and all I can do is be there—to remind her she’s never alone and that she’s always loved. Watching her step into her own has been both bittersweet and inspiring, and I am so proud of who she is becoming.

Then there’s the second, full of life, kindness, and generosity. She’s thoughtful and always looking out for others. With her sharp mind and abundant talents, she shows me daily the beauty of a heart that loves without limits. She reminds me that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of hope and that a giving spirit is one of the greatest treasures we can offer the world.

And the youngest—she’s got a spark like no other. Witty and funny, she’s already a natural leader, full of confidence and unafraid to make her mark. Her boldness challenges me to embrace courage and be unapologetically myself. Watching her fearlessly be who she is has taught me more about stepping out in faith than I could’ve imagined.

Each of these girls brings something different to my life, filling my heart in ways I never expected. They will never know who I was before they came along or how much their presence has shaped me. They’ll never know how they’ve made me want to be worthy of the name they gave me. Being “Bo” is more than just a title; it’s a reminder of the love God has poured into my life through them and my commitment to live up to that name every day. They’ve inspired me to be someone they can look up to, someone they know will be there in every season of life.

As I reflect on our bond, I realize how much God uses relationships to show us His heart and to teach us more about His love. We often think of God providing for our physical needs, but He also cares deeply about our relational needs, surrounding us with people who challenge us, shape us, and reflect His love in unique ways. The people God places in our lives aren’t just there for companionship; they are vessels for His wisdom, His patience, His kindness. My cousins teach me patience and joy, show me selflessness, and remind me of the beauty in vulnerability. Every moment with them is a gift, and I feel a responsibility to steward these relationships well by being intentional, loving deeply, and honoring the unique role I have in their lives.

Being “Bo” has taught me that relationships are among the greatest blessings God gives us. They are reminders of His provision, His goodness, and His love. Just as He meets our physical needs, He also meets our needs for connection, understanding, and companionship. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and my prayer is that I’ll always cherish this role, knowing these bonds are as precious as any blessing He’s given me. I am Bo, and it’s a title I hold close to my heart, thanking God for every moment He lets me walk beside these incredible young lives.