I was born to a young couple, most expected and excited, delivered with a club foot, which sounds so primitive and somehow oddly anciently biblical.  And although started life with a tiny cast and shoes separated by a brace, have always rejected the label of “cull”, knowing my identity is found in something – someone so much more.

My family was good, active, fun and traditional.  With the exception of not going to church and having direct spiritual influence, we were the modern day Cleaver family who camped together, rode dirt bikes together, swam and waterskied together – Always together.

Christ caught me at 13 years old at a rollerskating party – the invitation I now know was a “youth group” outing.  I remember the feeling and knowing that this Jesus who died for me, this new opportunity on life was what I had always wanted.  Like finally finding the last puzzle piece.  It wasn’t an emptiness or hurting hollow that this new found friend and Savior filled, but more like knowing there is someone near, but you can’t see them.  Helen Keller once quoted, “I always knew you were there, I just couldn’t see your face.”  That’s how I felt finally meeting FAITHFUL.

My true discipleship didn’t start until well into my twenties and has continued into my fifties.  40 years I’ve know this Savior and friend – he has protected me, grown me, stretched me, wrecked me, humbled me, bandaged me, bathed me and wooed me.  During years of painful marriage and ultimate divorce, waywardness in the world, knowing a better way, but naively following the suggestions of the season.  But as truth is learned, obedience becomes obsession and rejecting the “rightful” for the righteous is no longer a weight to be balanced, but a treasure to capture a closer walk with Thee.

A child, now woman marked, scared and bruised – thankful for every tumble down this river wild…

I am thankful for singleness, cancer, prodigals and painful rejection.

I am thankful for seconds, thirds and unlimited grace.  Thankful for sweet love after mid-life, grand babies, friends……… and ministry.

I have been a victim, but I am not a victim.  I am Martha.  I am Mary.  I am David.  I am Peter.  I am His daughter, His bride, His beloved.

I am so thankful ~ I am HIS

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