Nearly a decade ago when I began working in the anti-trafficking movement, I met @imrebeccabender at a conference in Washington, DC and I knew she was special. Rebecca carries a āspecial sauceā- when you meet her you just know she has an incredible anointing and calling on her life. Reading her book today has been such a gift- I literally havenāt been able to put it down. Rebeccas story is truly incredible and inspiring, but itās not just her story that makes her amazing. Rebecca is so much more than her story. I am confident she will never truly realize the impact of her calling on the lives of individuals, agencies, systems, and cultures- but she is one amazing woman I am honored to know. Rebecca, you change culture every single day, and Iām so grateful for your beautiful voice and courage to share your story. š
Happy Birthday to my best friend, my husband, my rock, and my love! David, you are the kindest, most selfless person that I know. You think of everyone before yourself and you are incredibly gifted in compassion, empathy, and peace. You exude the fruits of the Spirit in nearly everything you do, and I canāt believe I get to do life with you until death do us part. As we ring in the last year of your 20ās, I am confident the best is yet to come. This is just the beginning of our life together, and while itās been a wild ride, I wouldnāt change anything about it. Youāre my favorite person, and you deserve to be celebrated all 365 days of the year. I love you immensely, and Iām so grateful youāre mine š
As 2019 comes to a close and a new decade begins, Iāve done a lot of reflecting. My sweet sister in law made this stocking for @davidleeblair and I, with 8 little charms representing our 8 little babies we have conceived and lost. The sweetest gift of all were three donations made in their honor, to provide nutrients and formula to a new mom and baby, shelter for a family living in poverty, and food and nutrients to a malnourished child. These babies of ours have made a lasting impact not only in our lives and in the lives of our families, but in the lives of strangers on the other side of the globe as well.
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This last decade has been filled with trials I could have never imagined when we got married in October 2013. But there is so much purpose and joy there, too. While miscarriage and pregnancy loss are never āgoodā things, I can truly and honestly say God is still good. 2019 has been a year of healing, a year of faith restored, and a year of depth and growth. Iāve been listening to some of the worship songs I used to listen to on repeat earlier in this decade. Yesterday was the due date of our first little Blessing, and throughout the day yesterday I found myself listening to the song āOceansā on repeat. .
The bridge says, āSpirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet would ever wander, and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Saviorā
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This last decade I have been taken deeper than my feet would have ever chosen to wander. But I can confidently say my faith has been made stronger. I have never felt the presence of the Lord more closely, intimately, and personally than I have walking through this season. I am immensely grateful for the lives of my babies, immensely grateful for the places in my heart God has touched and healed, and immensely grateful to know He is still writing a beautiful story. A story that isnāt over yet, it is just beginning. I am confident He is good, He can be trusted, and for the first time, I can honestly say my trust in Him is truly without borders.
#miscarriage #endofanera #newdecade #growth #healing #infertility #hope
