To Steph:
Remember when I was back—it was the summer of 2009, and I felt like you didn’t let me out of your sight.
I recall watching you from your bed, before you climbed in and we slept, like sisters do. I commented on how we were a pair. You said something about being “best friends,” which I didn’t let into my being—instead, it bounced off my own wall of protection, a wall I didn’t know had been created.
“You know, we better pray you get married before I do,” I commented.
You turned to me, a look of semi-hurt in your eyes, your jaw dropped open.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, if I get married first, you would be…too affected. Unable to let me go.”
You chuckled, I tried to assure you, in my naïveté, that it didn’t really matter.
The thing is, you did let me go when I went to South America. And I didn’t understand at the time, but I do now: It doesn’t matter who leaves first, or who gets married first, because it is always very hard to let someone go.
So I write this now in the knowledge that I was wrong: You would indeed have been the strong one had God given me someone “first.” Instead, He now grows me in learning not only to trust Him, but to depend on Him in this time. Perhaps you saw the roots of these lessons come up in your own life while I was away…
So it turns out I’m not as “strong” as I thought. It turns out, it is very hard for me to let you go.
I know you’ll be here. I know we’re still wonderful friends. I know this because of Jesus and what He does when He binds sisters together who don’t share blood—it’s only in Him that I love you so much.
When the calls started coming to Peru from Georgia about this guy, I knew pretty quickly that Dane was the one for you. In fact, at the risk of boasting, I think I had this gut-feeling the first time you called to tell me about him. So, needless to say, I’ve had time to prepare.
In this time, I’ve discovered a few things:
I barely know Dane; however, the first time I met him, I saw how he looked at you. It was absolute love. Then, I began to recognize honor, protection, and respect. I’m so thankful God has brought you into marriage with such a man. I praise Jesus for Dane.
If I have to give you away, I can’t think of a better person you belong with. I can’t think of a better best friend for you.
I just ask that you keep me in mind. I will always, always keep you in my heart, Steph.
16.5.11
For My Sister, On Graduation
Today, sitting on the other side of the stage was surreal. I forgot about the excitement you must feel over completing this phase of your life.
It was only three years ago for me; I now claim no knowledge as my own. I only claim Jesus and what He has imparted to me.
Here is what I want to tell you:
Dream big for His Glory--knowing He may humble you.
Make plans for His Glory--knowing that He may have another, better plan.
Take risks for His Glory--risking it all for the name of Jesus.
Make mistakes, not because we are "allowed" to, but because it is inevitable--and know that He redeems them.
Live hard and passionately for His Glory, willingly spending yourself for Him.
Go boldly into the world for His Glory--knowing that He aims to use you for His Kingdom work, so that all people will know His name.
In the midst of commencing something new and celebrating something finished, I think we are whirled into fallacies that our culture deems acceptable. But, I have to say this:
Life is hard. Life is beautiful, but it's just plain hard. You can't "have it all" ("it" being whatever our society defines as "all"). I don't think any of us really want it all, anyway.
God makes life joyful, hopeful. He gives us everything in His Son Jesus, and we get to live and rest and play and do life all because of this abundant, abiding ability we've been given. Trials come, but Jesus is there--He never leaves. He has overcome the world.
Keep dreaming, daring, adventuring, risking. But don't lose sight of the One who gives you the capacity to do this.
From Jesus Calling:
Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seems all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking me in all circumstances.
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And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. -Deut. 28:1-2
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
-1 Pet 5:6-7
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thess. 5:18
It was only three years ago for me; I now claim no knowledge as my own. I only claim Jesus and what He has imparted to me.
Here is what I want to tell you:
Dream big for His Glory--knowing He may humble you.
Make plans for His Glory--knowing that He may have another, better plan.
Take risks for His Glory--risking it all for the name of Jesus.
Make mistakes, not because we are "allowed" to, but because it is inevitable--and know that He redeems them.
Live hard and passionately for His Glory, willingly spending yourself for Him.
Go boldly into the world for His Glory--knowing that He aims to use you for His Kingdom work, so that all people will know His name.
In the midst of commencing something new and celebrating something finished, I think we are whirled into fallacies that our culture deems acceptable. But, I have to say this:
Life is hard. Life is beautiful, but it's just plain hard. You can't "have it all" ("it" being whatever our society defines as "all"). I don't think any of us really want it all, anyway.
God makes life joyful, hopeful. He gives us everything in His Son Jesus, and we get to live and rest and play and do life all because of this abundant, abiding ability we've been given. Trials come, but Jesus is there--He never leaves. He has overcome the world.
Keep dreaming, daring, adventuring, risking. But don't lose sight of the One who gives you the capacity to do this.
From Jesus Calling:
Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seems all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking me in all circumstances.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. -Deut. 28:1-2
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
-1 Pet 5:6-7
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thess. 5:18
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