Personal Note: I have a little catching up to do with my blogging. . . these past few weeks have been a whirlwind —- with finishing my first graduate class (I received an “A!” Praise God), wrapping up the first semester of my two writing classes, traveling to Philadelphia for the CCEF Conference, Speaking engagements, interceding and working through my son’s college transfer and Thanksgiving — life has been FULL. So, here we go! I’ll keep them short and sweet!
(We took this picture in Gloucester, MA., while visiting Grant. Then, Brooke added the text. Isn’t it a stunning reminder of God’s constant care over our lives?)
Ever since Brooke was a little girl, I have been praying Proverbs 11:28b over her life. It reads:
Proverbs 11:28 (NIV), “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”
or in The Message, “A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.”
From the moment we arrived at Family Weekend at Liberty University, I saw this verse in action. Brooke is indeed thriving like a green leaf (NIV), exhibiting a God-shaped life. God has planted her in Lynchburg, Virginia and she is indeed “a flourishing tree.” She greeted us moments after we arrived at the hotel. . . bright smile and big hug! As our resident family socialite, she didn’t disappoint. We had a full schedule. Dinner. Theatre Production. Dessert at Doc’s (biggest piece of Pumpkin Cheesecake ever!) – and that is only Friday! Saturday we took on Liberty Mountain, climbing to the top! What a beautiful view. My brother, Mike, met us in Lynchburg and added a great deal of laughter and fun to the weekend! (Especially when he and I were “lost on Liberty Mt!”) After a quick lunch, we were off to the football game, dinner (another “Lost in Lynchburg” experience), and then off to a late night hockey game (Uncle Mike and Rob opted out of this adventure). Sunday morning we visited Brooke’s church, Thomas Road Baptist Church, where their 400-member choir brought heaven to earth. As I sat and listened to Rev. Jonathan Falwell’s sermon, all I could do was cry. Yes, right there in the middle of a church service, I cried. Quietly. All I could think about was that little verse from Proverbs 11. Lord, you are so good. So faithful. So true to Your Word. If this scene were a movie, there would have been flashbacks to nightly prayers over Brooke. Heal her eczema. Heal her Alopecia. Heal her alleriges. Heal her Severe Sleep Apnea. Heal her Dyslexia. Night after night. Month after month. Year after year.
As we left Lynchburg, gratitude filled my heart. I said to Rob, “You know what. The world can say what they want about Jerry Falwell. The world was not always kind to Mr. Falwell. But, I know one thing. That man lived a godly life. He wasn’t perfect. NONE of us are. But, he created a safe environment for our daughter. A godly environment where she is thriving. For that, I am thankful.”
Moms and Dads, keep praying over your children. Pray that they will thrive like a green leaf. Pray that they will grow in the nurture and admonition of Jesus Christ. Night after night. Month after month. Year after year. God will be faithful.
Amen Janell about Liberty! I too stand amazed when I am there visiting Kate………..God directed her to the right place and she is doing so well there! Blessings to you!
Colleen. . . thank the Lord for His great love and care over our children!!! We must meet up at Liberty at some point. Grant will be transferring to Liberty in January, too. It will be good to have them both there. How are you doing???
God has certainly given the angels charge over her. The hedge round about Brooke is high enough to keep out wickedness, yet low enough for her to have a good view of what the world needs…Jesus Christ.
When I went to Jerry Falwell’s funeral, I was struck with so many thoughts of GOd’s plan for Liberty. I remember thinking that in the fortress of God’s protection, there is freedom….liberty. I loved Dr. Falwell, and consider myself blessed to have met him on several occasions.
I didn’t know that Grant was transferring.
You were blessed to have known such a man, Sherri. Oh, I miss you.
Every word you write is profound. Your vision of “hedging” is right on the money. When I think of how much time and energy goes into the college search, I wonder are we, as parents, expending that energy in the correct manner. Are our ideals, standards, expectations misplaced? I have more to say on this subject, in light of Grant’s first semester of college, and would love your insight on this subject. Penny for your thoughts? xoxoxoxo
I am thrilled to hear that Grant will be at Liberty in January! I am sure with that transfer there has been a lot of work and frustration in things not working out……..we have had that with Noah and my Mother gave me advice years ago when we had to move the kids to a different school………”there are certain decisions that are made that are permanent, but….having to change schools for a better fit, isn’t one of them”.
I am hanging on to the Lord during this time. Walking through a place of grief/loss for the way things are. It is a hard thing but, good too……crazy how that is! I don’t know what is ahead so, as I should be I am walking day to day looking up! I would love to meet at Liberty sometime! Take care……and I am thrilled to read your blog. In fact I printed your Stuggle is a holy word and gave it to a few people…….my sister received so much from it(along with many others) Her children are 16,15,10 and 8 now! She has passed it around to her teacher friends up in Buffalo, NY……and then, when I was talking to her about my kids she encouraged me and reminded me of that article! I thought that was sooo funny! God is good!