I'll never forget how there were lilies in the centerpiece of each table, a sweet reminder from Jesus that He knew Lily and was forming her life and her purpose.
Here is a picture I took that night of the lilies in the centerpiece.
I took one of the lilies home and dried it out.
It is now in Lily's scrapbook all these years later!
It is now in Lily's scrapbook all these years later!
That is the first time I clearly and distinctly recall the Lord speak to my heart that one day I would be sharing my story as a public speaker (something I never wanted to do in and of myself). At the time, I had no idea how the story would unfold in the months and years ahead, but God knew. I always assumed I'd have a beautiful daughter to show as my choice of life.
As I ached with missing her at the banquets, especially with seeing other mothers who chose life share photos and videos of their children, I was reminded of these things... Lily has all Heaven's glory and is not missing anything. God is sovereign and was not surprised by her life or death. And I don't need her here as proof of her existence. My heart and life transformed is proof in itself.
As I drove into town on the evening of the first banquet, I thought back to the same banquet all those years ago, and I listened to my favorite song on repeat, "He's Always Been Faithful," by Sara Groves. Praise overflowed from my heart as I could see God's faithfulness in my life through all the years, through the joys and sorrows. I could never regret trusting Him and serving Him, even when things haven't gone the way I wouldn't planned. He held my hand through that season and through all the years since and I know He will continue to guide me.
"He's Always Been Faithful"
by Sara Groves
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God's hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I've heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful, He's always been faithful
He's always been faithful to me
Here are my grandmother and I with her friend 6 years ago at the banquet
And here we are this year
Our table this year
My Aunt Sarah and Uncle Steve
The first night, a man named Fr. Agustino spoke. I enjoyed his funny speech.
The second night, Gianna Jessen spoke. It was probably one of the best
speeches I've ever heard. I will post another blog about that soon.
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