A Long Overdue Thank You

Almost 30 years ago a lonely and fearful 14 year old girl walked into a big-o-church with a secret hope that she would find what her heart had been longing for...home.  On that night so much more happened. In the months to follow her WHOLE life would be completely changed.  Months turned into years and years into decades....and over that time, she found that her hopes and dreams were all held by her Savior who LOVED her fully, and had a good plan for her life.  He had far above anything she could dare to dream planned for her...and she blossomed.  There were so many people at her new home that loved her simply because she needed to be loved and they knew her Savior as well, and He teaches us to love others.  So many people that invested in her growth, who discipled her, and encouraged her to trust God completely.  People who rejoiced in her joy, held her in hurt, cleaned her home, cooked her family meals, gave gifts so graciously that she was often moved to tears at the great love of her Heavenly Father.  Through great joy and deep sorrow she never again traveled alone.  God saw fit to bless her with her husband, Tim....I don't think I could ever put into words how very grateful I am for this man who demonstrates selfless love and faithfulness and who has seeks God's will for our family and when my faith is weak, he stands in the gap.  Oh how thankful I am that God set us apart for each other.  God also saw fit to bless her with four sweet blessing to hold and cherish and teach to trust God fully because He is fully trustable, and that He loves them with a crazy love!  I take that responsibility very seriously.  She isn't perfect, but she is perfectly loved.  It would take her  life time of thank you to thank all who have touched her life.  However, there are moments like today, when she gets to see her son, Josh, lead in worship through song and she is moved to begin to say thank you.  First Baptist Family, thank you!  Thank you for being willing to make sacrifices, to teach, to encourage, and pray with and for a fearful and lonely 14 girl who desperately needed it.  Your investment has had eternal impact.  That 14 year old girl  is now a 42 year old mom who is fully aware of the path her life could have taken had you not loved God enough to love her!    As I listened to Josh today I was moved to tears.  I looked around and saw faces of those who played a role first my life and then his.  THIS is the difference Christ makes!  A church is not a building, it is people...imperfect people!who are willing to do whatever it takes to show Gods perfect love to the broken, discarded, lonely, fearfully people that God loves so much He sent His Son to die for!!!!  My heart longs to shout THANK YOU.  I am forever changed, eternally grateful, and absolutely determined to show His love to whomever God puts in my life.  I love my church!!!  If you are searching for home...you might just find it at FBC💗💞💜