Thank You

Many of my friends were able to see Les Mis last weekend, and one of my friends quotes on Facebook, "To love another person is to see the face of God." I was really struck by that, because its true in so many ways, but right now I am on the other side. To be loved by another person is to see the face of God.

This applies in so many ways. First, my mother. Mama is my best friend, my confidante, my pedicure-and-restaurant-buddy. She listens and gives advice and jokes with me and pushes me and encourages me and is always there for me and loves me unconditionally. I love her more than I have words to say. Particularly this weekend, many people have told me how I am just like her, and there is no greater honor than to be told those words. She has shaped me and taught me and showed me Jesus in so many ways, and I am so proud that she is my mother. To love her is to experience God's love in a certain way, but to be loved by her is to have a physical representation of who God is and His love for me. I can't really explain it more than that without crying, but truly, God uses Mama to love me, whether its checking my spirit or pushing me or encouraging me or just enjoying me. Our relationship is a constant reminder of what a relationship with God looks like. That sounds weird and trite and cheesy, but I don't know how else to put it.

Secondly, right now my fridge is full to overflowing and my phone is full of texts and calls and my email is blowing up and my Facebook is out of control with love from other people. We as a family and I as an individual have been so supported and loved in the past three days. I cannot being to tell you the people who have come by or given food or just offered support. My church family has been incredible. And that doesn't even touch my friends at school. I have received so many messages, just offering a sweet sentence and promises of prayer. I have emails from people who I honestly wouldn't have thought to tell about this just loving on me. I have never felt this supported in my entire life. I honestly in so many ways feel carried. My burden is light because it is shared, both with God and with those around me. This is what it means to be the Body of Christ. This is what it means to share my yoke with Him, with those He provides. God is so faithful - not just because Mama is doing well, but because He fulfills His promises and He uses His people to be His hands and feet. I have seen God in every text, every call, every hug, every message, every meal, every offer of help and prayer.

Thank you for loving us. Thank you for being faithful to that which God has called you. Thank you for your encouragement and support. God knew we couldn't do this without you, and I can only praise Him for giving us y'all! You have loved us, and we have seen the face of God.

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