One of my best friends in the entire world is, as I write, more than likely meeting her new daughter on the other side of the ocean.Everything about this amazes me.

I remember a conversation she and I had many years ago when she told me that she had a feeling she and her husband were supposed to do something big together, big in their family, but she didn’t know what. At the time, she tossed out the guess of homeschooling, which we laugh about now. She had no idea at all back then what her story would unfold to be, and let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of gorgeous to watch up close.

Here’s what’s breathtaking about Erika and her husband, Casey, if I can put it into words.First of all, they really love each other.They are the kind of couple that I cannot picture either one of them with any other person.They just make sense.They both totally love Jesus and he is fully integrated into who they are individually, as a couple and as a family.He is their most important thing.Their kids are totally loved and they know it. Each one is special and their parents call their uniqueness out of them.Evelea is smart as a whip (and is with her mom in Africa right now), Carter is loved by everyone who meets him and is the bravest little boy I know, and Sitota – also from Africa – is spunky and hysterical.

And now, starting today, there will be Therese…a beautiful ten-year-old girl in need of some heart surgery and a lot of love, and who is about to meet the mother who will give her what she needs and then some.

Erika and Casey are living, breathing examples of James 1:27 — …Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress…

So here’s to Erika, my brave, beautiful friend…to her heart that breaks for the same things that break God’s…to an amazing family expanding today to show God’s love…to a little girl who has no idea the blessings in store for her…to living proof that waiting on God will always be worth it…and to a Light that proves there is a good God who sees us and knows us and rescues us in a thousand different ways every day, even sometimes by using us to rescue others.

Life isn't always how we want it. When change seems elusive, and we're stuck in old routines, a gentle push or some self-reflection can make a difference. Let these questions be that nudge to get you moving.

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