I see her beauty and I am filled with fear.
I see her innocence and I get overwhelmed with anxiety.
Because I know this world is Ugly. Because I know that there are people with bad intentions. Because I know that we are not promised a life of safety and comfort.
I never knew such a love that is followed by the whispers of such an intense worry. And it is a challenge I face with every decision I make.
BUT...
We have been called to be different. And it is important to us, that Joss learns beyond her comfort zone. It is important for us for Joss to see a world beyond the safe one we create for her. And it is important to us that she be a part of a movement to Save the World.
We aren't super heroes. We have no magic. But we have the passion to Love outside our borders, and with that come risks no mom really wants to take.
And sometimes... I wonder, how less scary my life would be if she wasn't here.
BUT...
I've been given a gift. A gift that radiates a Love extended to me, that no matter what happens in my life or in hers, I was LOVED. A gift that pushes me to Love beyond my own understanding. And a gift that shows me what Love really means.
She has taught me what Sacrifice really means. Her bond to me illustrates a glimpse to what John 3:16 intends to give.
And because of that... I can let go and give back. Because I can't hoard the gift that I've been given. She was meant to be Loved by me, and she is meant to love others in return.
Fear will not contain my love, and Fear will not bind her back. She is meant to do great things as I am meant to inspire her to.
I love her little boots!! This post is beautiful. You have such a lovely heart.
ReplyDeleteoh her laughing steals my heart. beautiful words...
ReplyDeleteI am convinced your daughter couldn't get any cuter! Your heart is lovely!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness she is so beautiufl just like her momma;0 love the bokeh in some of these close ups of her. Gorgeous color and such a cute outfit she has on;0
ReplyDeleteYou both are beautiful. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteParenthood is both the scariest and loveliest gift that we are given!! This post is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI can relate so much to your words...it brings tears to my eyes! This world is scary and bringing innocent children into it is scary! It's been on my mind a lot lately...just what you spoke about!!! You are a wonderful person Jen and a wonderful mother as well! xo
ReplyDeleteThat last picture is PERFECT!! And I'm soo trying that hairstyle on Kaela:)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I don't think I could say enough how happy you make my heart! And, of course, Joss is one of the cutest little munchkins I have ever seen! She and Hallie would be a friendship made in heaven.
ReplyDeleteHer boots are precious. It's scary sometimes, huh? I know. I fight my fears everyday.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way! When I was pregnant with Stafford I was determined to NOT late Satan control my life with fear! There is SO much you could worry about....but I choose not to! Somedays it is hard though!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you in church this morning b/c it was "Freedom Sunday". There was a guest speaker who is involved in human trafficing ministry in Bankok, Thailand and her testimony was incredible. Glad there are people doing all kinds of things to help our brothers and sisters who are trapped!!
i can definitely relate to this since having a little one... turning on the news makes me want to shelter my son forever but i know i can't do that :P
ReplyDeleteshe is adorable, and her little rainboots- so cute!
I absolutely love this post and your child is so darn adorable. Sometimes (i have no kids) I get anxiety just thinking about the world my kids would be born into and the evil and gunk that surrounds us so NATURALLY. It is disgusting. BUT GOD IS BIGGER and He wants our kids to know HIM and it is our job to LOVE them and SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF CHRIST so that they may OVERCOME this world through Christ.
ReplyDeleteSo, my worries are really in vain in the big picture.
THANK YOU.
♥cheche
This is beautiful. This makes me look forward to becoming a parent. I too appreciate the love that my mother showed me. I cannot wait to embark on that journey. Thank you for being an example of a young mom who wants to love your child as Christ called us to love and raise our children.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Her laugh and her smile just melt my heart. :) She is so, so beautiful...just like your words. It's a tough battle we fight...wanting to hold onto them and protect them without them missing out on the world.
ReplyDeleteadore your little girl and her stomping boots!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words and an absolutely gorgeous little girl!
ReplyDelete