Dear Darci,

I will keep my promise. You reached in and stole a piece of my heart before we even shared a single word. Darci, I was very scared today. I was torn between the desire to be used for the Kingdom and my fear of being shamed. You see, today was the first time I have ever shared my testimony with anyone outside of my close friends. Today was the first time I was sharing my testimony not as my story, but as my Father’s story. The story of his grace and love in a young woman’s life. Today was the first time I saw the impact this story could have on someone, could have on you. When my fear filled eyes met yours at the start of my story, the words were no longer mine. It was our Father, and he was talking to you. I wish I knew a better way to explain it other than an out-of-body experience. But when I spoke of his love for that lonely young girl, it wasn’t just about me anymore.

Darci, thank you for sharing your tears with me. Your boldness in vulnerability is something to be admired and adored. Those first few moments we shared in embrace were so sweet; I wish I could have bottled it up and saved it for a rainy day. I still feel the warmth you left on my shoulder and my heart.

Have you ever been told you have special eyes? I hope you have. Your eyes may have been tear filled, desire filled, and pain filled in that moment; but also, were so pure and so indicative of your spirit. Okay so maybe we only talked for 30 minutes, but Darci, I feel like I know you better than I know people I’ve known for years. You shared your soul: the good, the sad, the part crying out for love.

Darci, did you know I almost didn’t share my testimony in your class today. It was almost someone else, or I could have done it in a different class, or at an earlier time. But our Father chose me to reach out to you today and I am privileged to be a part of that. I am oh so privileged that it was me who got to learn about your brother. I am oh so privileged to have my hands used to wipe away your tears. I am oh so privileged to have been the one to speak life from our Father. I am oh so privileged to get to love you.

I made you a promise today. I promised to continue to pray for you forever. This is me telling you I will keep my promise. May everyone reading this feel compelled to keep me accountable. I promise to pray that you feel loved every day. I promise to pray for you to see God’s grace in your family. I promise to pray for healing in your hurting heart. I promise to pray protection over you. I promise to pray for a sweet future for you. When you leave the 9th grade behind, I pray you stay grounded in our Father. As you chase your dream to be a nurse, I pray you never lose faith in the brilliant woman God created you to be. I pray you never forget that you never have to feel lonely again. And I selfishly pray you never forget me.

Darci, thank you letting me love you. Thank you for calling me friend. Thank you for letting me see your bright smile and hopeful eyes. May there one day be a divine appointment, may I one day get to see you again. However, if not, I will keep my promise. Darci, I will pray for you.

So often I hear people say “the least I can do is pray for you”… HELLO, the most you can do is pray! Give it over our Father and let his divine majesty work.

With love,

Lina

“I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like

But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night

And you tell me that you’re pleased

And that I’m never alone”