ONE Family
This weekend is my birthday, a time when I really reflect on family. You see, 29 years ago God blessed me with one of the most amazing families. I was adopted by my paternal grandparents who know how to love as God loves. They know when and how to discipline (which, I’m positive, was rarely needed), to comfort, to encourage, to love, and to raise the two of us to seek, embrace, and praise God.
And then there is my twin sister, Jess. There isn’t one year that goes by that I don’t rejoice and praise God that she is in my life. She has been there through it all. She has seen me at my best and my worst and yet never forgets to tell me she loves me or to show it through her beautiful smile, her warm hugs, her thoughtful words, her joyous heart, her loving tears. She has challenged me and lifted me up more times than one could ever count. She is a beautiful example of loving Jesus with all that is in her. And I CELEBRATE her this week.
But I let go of them. I let go of them with my hands. These are the hands that tried to take ownership, to hold them tightly so that their love never leaves, to say…this is mine. I let go of them with my hands for they can’t hold onto them and my expanding family, my wonderful squad and teammates. I let go of them with my hands and hold them all in my heart where love expands and flourishes and pours out.
Though I have only known my teammates for a few months, they have already taught me so much. Each one uniquely and lovingly created by God, desires to walk with HIM. He is stirring within us all, awakening our hearts and minds. He is breaking us of complacency and dependence on ourselves to live in HIM.
And so I CELEBRATE life and love. I CELEBRATE life found in HIM. I CELEBRATE love for my brothers and sisters and lift up a few of them to you now, to support financially and prayerfully, to embrace, to encourage, to CELEBRATE for aren’t we all family? We can’t do this alone.
Anna Coffey is my dear sister whose honest and kind heart brings comfort to the weary as God continues to reveal Himself to her
Di Dinnis is my dear sister who exudes compassion and love for so many as God loves her
Rachel Hartman is my dear sister whose passion and love for God can not be contained as He continues to speak to her heart
Darci Simpson is my dear sister who serves others with grace and joy as God continues to bless her
Zack Trute is my dear brother who seeks the truth, speaks the truth as God continues to fill him
We ALL are the body of Christ
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
