I've been debating what to share here on our blog. Obviously, once we get to Bulgaria, we'll share about that, but life is happening here in the USA, now. I love to tell God stories. I love being a part of God's great, big incredible adventure.
This past week and a half has been hard. Marty's Mom is sick and in the hospital. We, nearly, lost her. Now, we're trying to negotiate her long-term care, because the road to recovery isn't looking like a short one. Then, our little boys got sick with strep throat. Not such a big deal, just exhausting, cleaning up vomit, running to Urgent Care and fighting over medicine. In the middle of all this, we're waiting on a signature, so that Klemi's adoption can be completed and she can come home to us. Sometimes, life happens fast and all we can do is hang on to Jesus and know, that this season will pass.
Last night, I was on the computer pretty late. I had been up with Sam, who isn't the best sleeper when he's well, throw in an illness and he's exhausting. God had a reason. He always does.
My friend, Jamie, messaged me and told me she had written a blog post and mentioned prayer in it. She was super nervous about what people would think. Jamie was not raised to believe in Jesus and has only come to know him in the past few years. She said it feels like I'm "coming out of the closet." Precious Jamie, made me laugh out loud and wake Marty up. Here's why.
About a year ago, Jamie and her husband, crossed the ocean to adopt a sweet little boy, named Eli (love his name). Eli has Down Syndrome and needed a family. Jamie was a very new believer at the time and didn't hesitate to do exactly what God was calling her to do. This year, Jamie and her husband are headed back across the ocean (to a place that's very near to my heart) to bring home two more little girls, both of them have Down Syndrome, along with other delays and needs. Jamie advocates for orphans, supports adoptive families and is a wonderful friend. It's very obvious to those of us watching Jamie's life that she loves Jesus, so I nearly fell out of the bed laughing when she told me she was "coming out" of the "I love Jesus" closet.
It gets better, because she linked me to her blog post and said, "It's subtle, but it's there. You know, I can't come out in my Pink Sparkly Heels, right away." I read her post. You can read it here: on Jamie's blog. I responded with get your Pink Sparkly Heels out, girl! She was so proud to tell me that, today, she moved from white shoes to tan.
Jamie, friend, I have to tell you that I love how you shine! You must not realize what your life says to everyone around you, each day. Jamie is struggling with something that many of us struggle with...finding her identity in Christ. She doesn't realize her own worth, value and Sparkle. When your life is lit with the fire of Jesus, you can't hide that shine. It creeps out into life, whether you realize it or not.
So, my question for the rest of us and the lesson God reminded me of last night, "Are we all out for Jesus? Have we put on love, above all else?" If we have, I think, we can safely say that the people around us are enjoying watching us follow after Jesus in our Pink Sparkly Heels!
Jamie and her family need help bringing home their girls. While you're over at her blog, pray and if you're able give. Let's love on Jamie a little and encourage her to keep shining for Jesus.
Pray, Adopt, Advocate, Support!
Hidden in Christ,
Mandy
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