Completely surrounded, I literally turned circles to soak up the excited expressions of every person that was there to celebrate me. My parents, sister, other family members, and friends have to be exhausted from last week, but I write this just to let each of you know how much it impacted me.
When I first signed up for the World Race, the fear of being forgotten became an immediate threat. Common phrases such as “out of sight, out of mind” haunted me. One night, I finally asked the Lord if it was true. “Who will forget me? Did I make a difference while I was with them? Will I come home to see they have completely moved on?”
His perfect love and truth rushed in like a flood, drowning out fear.
“Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you,” Isaiah 49:15.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9.
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you,” Isaiah 40:13.
These passages and countless others were brought to mind. For days the Lord overwhelmed me with the fact that though others may forget, His thoughts about me outnumber the sands of the sea! In this healing process, I realized that He was providing what I truly desired all along… to be thought of by Him.
This past week, my family and friends celebrated me for so many different occasions: my 22nd birthday, ULM spotlight video, nursing school pinning, and graduation. They did not get frustrated or jealous, but were glad to honor what the Lord is doing in my life. Their words and actions communicated the Father’s heart toward me in a way that I have never experienced before, and I am forever grateful!
God is not reluctant to celebrate His children, and neither are other parts of the body.
So now, I walk more confidently than ever. I realize that I will not be forgotten, I have made a difference, and I am loved by those around me far beyond my own comprehension. It’s okay if you forget my name or my story. I am His, and that satisfies my every desire to be known. All of this has been made possible because of God embracing me in my insecurity, knowing that His love would put an end to all fear.
I can honestly say that I am not a very good writer, but I hope that this blog communicates the gratitude I have for each person who sacrificed time, money, and energy to allow the Lord to work through them. What you all have done for me will impact the nations for His kingdom.
All My Love,
Mary
