I purchased this bracelet with the intent to give it to someone special. I desire for this bracelet to carry stories of spiritual legacies and impact. People who have made a difference in lives by living the Gospel – being the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray one day someone finds this and reads amazing stories of people who modeled the love of Jesus to people…
I’m giving this bracelet to Allison. I’ve known Allison for many years, and we’ve journeyed a lot of life together. We’ve lived some joyous moments and we have traveled some really hard challenging and heartbreaking experiences as well. Through them all, she and her family have been some of the most consistent and compassionate people in my life. Always there. Always encouraging. Always loving me.
Her girls (well, her whole family actually) call me “Awesome Heather”. I don’t even know how that came about, but I’ll never forget when I noticed it, I was in the darkest place of my life journey. They we a constant voice of Truth from the Father of just how much God loved me. They greeted me with a hug, and still do every time I see them. My heart overflows with gratitude when I think of them and how they’ve ministered to me, and I’m certain they have no idea.
I started teaching Allison’s youngest girls when they were in second grade – they are in high school now. Yes, I feel old – experienced, rather. These girls are gold. Kind hearts, sweet dispositions, lovely personalities, and are just all-around great kiddos. I’m now watching these kiddos lead worship on Sunday mornings in the Worship Service, and I’m just so thankful to see them still following and seeking Jesus. Their smiles and hugs have been a much-needed rain in a drought season in my life. I pray one day they know just how much their presence in my life has been such a gift. I also hope Allison knows how much she has modeled this in their lives through teaching, parenting, and prayer.
Allison,
Thank you for the ways you have consistently shown up in my life. Thank you for sharing your family with me. For loving me unconditionally…
Thank you for reaching out when sometimes I was hard to reach out to. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the way you and your husband have invested in me spiritually, emotionally, financially, and relationally. My life is better because God placed you all in it. Thank you for your obedience in following Jesus. Your laughter is contagious, and I love your smile. I appreciate the way you are passionate about serving others and the heart of compassion you have for people. Thank you for sharing that with me. Thank you most of all for sharing your love of Jesus. For that – I am most grateful and for that, I am most changed.
I pray that you know you are loved and appreciated. Sometimes service is a thankless job. I know parenting can be! You are such a great mother, and I see you as a great wife. Perfect? I’m not crazy. No one is. But I see you seeking Jesus. I see your heart… because I see your girls. They are replicas of you and Martin. You are grace. You are love. You are mercy. You are compassion. You are forgiveness. You are the hands and feet of Jesus ministering to the hurting and the broken. When my heart was weary, you ministered to me, and you didn’t even know. Thank you for being willing.
I pray God continues to richly bless you and your family as you each continue to seek and serve Him.
I love you each immensely!
Upward and onward with Jesus!
Heather
Habakkuk 1:5
