"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
Silence can be golden.
The hope of God is often communicated without saying a word. Sunny daffodils nod their heads amid snowy breezes. Naked limbs, once clothed in glorious skirts of orange leaves, patiently wait for dress as the winter wanes on. The mothers-to-be glow in rhapsody, biding their time as skin knits with bone deep within their womb. All of creation seems to wait with one ear cocked toward the portal, waiting for the fullness of time - the redemption of our bodies. "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:25)
One of the best and bravest of love stories I have ever heard, I now share with you. A dear Christian sister of mine is mother and caregiver to her firstborn, a daughter named Ephilia, tenderly known as Cookie. This has been her calling since Cookie's birth forty years ago revealed special needs. Upon her arrival, the journey began for this little family across the sea from me, in India. Three healthy sons followed, filling their family tree, but the silence of Cookie remained as her parents sought the best for her.
My friend revealed to me the prayer she had been praying as Cookie's fortieth birthday approached. Knowing from the scriptures that the number forty often signified an end to a time of testing, her prayer was for Cookie to be healed of her defects, and be able to teach Sunday School at their church. She had strong faith in the character and covenant of God's love, and it was in this power that she prayed.
When Cookie's birthday came, however, her physical limitations remained. Though she is not teaching a class, her testimony speaks loudly and across the miles as her mom sent this on social media: "Today, I want to thank God for the gift of Cookie to our family and especially to me...Cookie is truly the binding force of our family, keeping us all united with each other with a strong family bond. She brought me closer to God...Her unconditional love made me love all those around me selflessly. Cookie taught me to accept life as it comes and still have a smile on my face."
Cookie is a teacher who has much to say to those who will listen. One day, the waiting will be over; all that's been lost will be made whole as our guardian angel leads us through that portal. Until then, with one ear tuned toward the door and one eye on the heavens, share your testimony with others in whatever way you are able. The waiting is almost over.
"They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world." Psalm 19: 3, 4
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