You split the sea so I could walk right through it!
My fears are drowned in perfect love.
You rescued me so I can stand and sing, I am a child of God.
I cannot adequately share the depths of my heart with you. I feel like words fall incredibly short. I am in awe of your love, support, encouragement and willingness to walk into battle on our behalf. The song above is my anthem for this month. I have seen God split seas so we can walk right through it. I have been given incredible courage by his love and yours. I am inspired to support each of you in your own journeys in such a way as what I have experienced from you. Friends, please know I pray for you… and I thank God for you daily.
From my call to prayer last week I was blown away by your messages, your encouragement and your response to our need. I feel a bit of a need to clarify, my last post came from a place of knowing the significance of a court-date that was scheduled and the emotional fall-out we were already seeing as a result of the notice. I wasn’t just coming apart at the seams because of the challenges of having three kids ages 3 and under… that’s just a walk in the park 😉
These girls are my heroes. They have been through more in their short little lives than many of us will see in our long ones. I know your prayers carried us through the day. You know that feeling when you have two different sets of friends, maybe church friends and work friends… and you have that first time where both sets of friends are in the same place at the same time? Now imagine being 3 years old, having two sets of parents, not being able to understand why this isn’t normal or how you’re supposed to act when all of a sudden both sets of parents are in the same place at the same time. I don’t wish that on anyone, but especially not children that have no capacity to comprehend what is really going on. Factor in heightened emotions of the parents due to the significance of the day and you have a recipe for uncertainty. One thing is certain, these girls are loved.
As far as the outcome, things are going along as well as I can hope. The girls navigated the day well and we have more clarity on a timeline and what to expect over the next few months. I see God’s hand in many ways, I just can’t share them all. My mom on the other hand loves to share… go talk to her 🙂
From my personal perspective, I do want to share with you the ways that God has weaved his promises to me, through you. An early response to my post last week was a friend sharing a reminder from Exodus 14
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
This resonated with my spirit as other words came strengthening my trust and encouraging to “be still”. This is significant because as of Thursday I was building my fight, determined to bring my case and fight on behalf of these girls… but God was inviting me to rest, be still my heart and know that he is fighting for me, for them.
One sweet friend had a picture of me with a giant sheer/lace-like blanket floating over me. It was covered in the most beautiful sparkling diamonds. As I held on to this picture I sensed God showing me that this is our covering. I could be still and rest in his promises, knowing that we are covered in his grace, as his children. I believe that you, my friends, represent the beautiful diamonds that fill that covering. I have felt your covering as we have walked into this journey and you have engaged in our story, praying for us and loving us all so well. You shine bright like a diamond {Cue Rihanna song now}
On Monday as I spent time in prayer and reflecting on the scripture in Exodus, the song above came on and I was overwhelmed with God’s goodness. Around the 4 minute point my excitement builds when it goes into the bridge – I could sing those words over and over – I have for days. I claimed the words I am no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God. I do not have to fear an outcome but can rest, securely, in who I am as his child. There was such confidence when I heard the words come together – the scripture and the song, the picture and the promises – man, I felt brave.
One might think I am on the marketing team for Bethel Music. It’s not true. I can’t help it, they write songs that absolutely line up with God’s work in my life and my heart’s cry. All I can say is get you some. Download their music. Soak in it.
We are in a good place. Yesterday was hard and we were exhausted when it was all said and done, but we are well. The girls bounced back from the tension and challenges and we all slept like babies last night. Thank you Lord! I just want you to know, you are moving mountains with your faith. You are a vital part of our story and I hope you celebrate the good things with us. I hope you feel like these are your girls as much as I do. You have fought hard and I wouldn’t want to do this without you.
I am passionate about others knowing they are loved and walking confidently in God’s purposes for their lives. This feeds into my story in many ways. Sometimes obedience is simply responding to God’s prompting, whether it means taking in children, or sharing a word that you have for someone. Please walk boldly in where God is leading you. If you respond in obedience, He will split the sea… just walk right through it. If there is any way I can support you, please friend, know I want to.
As you remember us, keep praying for peace as we trust God for his purposes. Pray that the girls will rest in knowing they are loved and not be negatively impacted by the uncertainty that surrounds them. Pray that we can stay grounded in faith and security of being God’s child – not easily affected by fear or changes in the situation. Pray in a forever kind of way.
Much love to you!
storyofagirl 