About Me: I love my family!!!
Not a lot of people know that I come from a large family; it’s something that I love about myself, but don’t often share. Because the truth is, my family is pretty unconventional, but I believe this fact makes it all the more glory bringing! You see, my family tree is in the shape of a cross.
As I stated above, I love my family…I love the fact that I am adopted into the family of Christ!!! And so, I want to tell you a little bit about them…
First of all, I have been blessed with three wonderful mothers.Three mothers!!! How many people can say that?!?! God has done SO much through them!!!
“Momma J the Just” I cannot even begin to express everything I feel for this dear woman! J has shown me what being a “Barbarian Woman” is all about, teaching me that the only thing that really matters is that HE has your heart! No one will ever be able to understand what an answer to prayers she has been. J has walked (and even crawled at times) with me through the darkest days of my life, but she has also run with me through the brightest, most joy-filled ones. She has put up with more than anyone should ever have to, but she has done so with grace and love, even if it was tough love at times. She has taught me so much about motherhood, in such unexpected ways. And I might not be able to carry on her name, but I am a very proud bearer of her beautiful heart!
“Momma A the Valiant,” Wow is the first word that comes to mind! We have come so far! I can’t tell you how much this special woman means to me. More than anything, A has taught me how to be brave. She has shown me what it means to be a bold follower of Christ and not let fear hold you back from anything. She has helped me embrace the fighter in me. When it was my first inclination to sink back in defeat, she taught me to never stop swinging my sword. In so many ways she has helped instill confidence in me, pushing me past any preconceived limitations, because with God ALL things are possible.
“Momma M the Gentle,”…this wonderful woman has given me so much. She pretty much knows me better than I know myself (which is really nice at times!) M is such a tender and compassionate person, but don’t let that fool you, because she is also the strongest woman I know. She is continually challenging me and pointing me to the Lord, knowing that despite her huge role in my life, He is the only one who can bring healing and wholeness. With M, I have learned about trust; I have learned that understanding and knowledge is so unimportant compared to gratitude. And then, of course, one of my favorite things about M is that she has the same stupid sense of humor as I do and is able to laugh in the same conversation that tears have come.
I also have two pretty AMAZING dads…
“Papa S the Kind” …this man holds such a special place in my heart. God has given him a spirit of wisdom, enabling him to see things that others might not normally see. Another gift that S has is mercy and with these two gifts he is both able to exhibit compassionate understanding and give insight on what needs to be done differently–a perfect combination of “tender and tough.” S never lets me get by with anything, a part of him that I cherish, because I realize that its because he sees in me what I don’t see in myself and he loves me enough to push me toward the person God has made me to be.
“God”…affectionately known as “Daddy” My daddy is everything to me. I seriously cannot imagine my life without Him. I don’t even have words for who He is, you’ll just have to meet Him yourself 🙂
Oh and don’t even get me started on my sisters!!!
“Sister J the Zealous” Oh what can I say about J?! She is one of the most passionate people I know, but most wouldn’t recognize that because she’s also very quiet and reserved. She loves hard and I love that about her. She also has the best listener ears! J has taught me so much about grace, because as sisters, we don’t always get along, but there is ALWAYS forgiveness up for grabs, always love, even behind an angry voice. J is incredibly loyal…she is ALWAYS there and she never gives up on me, even when it seems the whole world has.
“Sister Z the Simple”…my dearest sister. I don’t know what I would do without this special gal. If you didn’t already know, I over-think EVERYTHING and Z helps me to stop trying to understand everything, to look at the heavens (the vast blue skies) instead of the ant on the sidewalk that I stopped to take a picture of. Z has taught me that it is ok to feel and not just the good emotions either–it is ok to be angry as long as you don’t stay that way.
“Sister D the Brave”…I think D is probably the most caring person I know. Her heart for others is simply amazing to witness. She is slow to judge and quick to love. This special lady shines with the joy of the Lord even in the midst of difficult seasons…her bravery and strength astound me–never lets anything hold her back. She is a fighter, a go getter, and someone you can always depend on. I am proud to call her my sister!
I have so many more family members that I could mention, but I think I will end with
my exceptionally wonderful grandmother!
“Y the Strong” …this lady is so incredibly dear to me. Y has such a servant’s heart and is always looking for how she can help others. She has taught me so much about resilience, about never giving up. She helps me to remember that regardless of what is going on around you, if you trust God, He will always provide for you and give you what you need. Y also has an incredibly kind spirit; the way that she loves is so gentle and soothing, especially after you’ve been out in this tough, loud, cruel world!
I hoped you enjoyed getting to know me through some of my family…always remember this truth:
“God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” Psalm 68:6
