Abigail. Her name means “her father’s delight” and she lives
true to her name! Abigail’s stepfather has come to know the delight that she is
and is richer for it… as are we as her Young Life leaders and community. But
recently, as I have been getting to know her whole family and begun a
friendship with Abigail’s mom, I’ve been able to share the delight that she is
to her HEAVENLY FATHER.
Abigail’s mom Cindy is an incredibly strong woman. She is a post partum nurse by trade and that
nurturing nature carries over into every area of her life. She has known much
adversity in her life and experienced hardships that would make most of us run
and hide. This woman, however, continues to stand, to serve, to care for
extended family, for her own Abigail, and now more than ever, to serve God. Cindy
recently shared that Abigail has brought her back to her faith in Christ.
Since Abigail camp home from an inclusive week of camp this
past summer, she has carried a sense of the delight of her Heavenly Father into
her home. Abigail’s love is simply expressed, usually with a pat on the head
and a gentle “love you,”( if you happen to have your hair in a pony tail or a
bun, she may display even more of that love). Abigail usually likes her space at club and
tends to sit in the back by herself and rock and talk her way through the club
talks. We’ve learned not to push her out of this space and to our surprise,
that she is listening as she talks!
A couple of months ago, as Cindy dropped Abigail off for
club, she mentioned a serious medical condition she was experiencing, that
Abigail’s dad was being released from the hospital following surgery, and
another family member hospitalized from an accident… and that she was off to
care for them and would be back when club ended. As she left, my heart was
heavy. I texted her and asked if we could pray for her when she returned. Cindy
heartily welcomed the prayer and as another leader and I grabbed her hands to
ask with her for healing in her body, Abigail joined. Abigail began to repeat
our prayers, rubbing her mother’s back and reassuring her mom that Jesus heard
and Jesus would heal her. “Don’t cry mom, its Ok….” Our prayer reached the ears of her Heavenly
Father who was delighted, I am sure. Her assurance of His healing power was
real and deep. Her comforting of her mom was straight from the Father. While we are still waiting to hear if she is
cleared from the blood clots this week, we are rejoicing in all kinds of
healing that has happened since we prayed as Cindy is experiencing grace,
mercy, and a renewed relationship with Jesus.
Abigail’s family continues to face challenges and last week
lost their home in a house fire, but they have joined my family at church for
several weeks now. We worship together, Abigail sings just a little louder and a
beat behind the rest of the congregation and at times will join me in using
sign language in her worship. Her delight in her Father and her desire to sing
to Him, is a reminder to us of His delight in her… and in us. Cindy and I
chatted after church Sunday about the reminder that Abigail is of the
security we have to be with God and
not do for God because of His delight
in us… in the midst of health challenges, relationship challenges, and even in ashes.
Wow. Might we know the delight we are to our Father like Abigail does. Might we
bring that delight into our homes in a way that leads others into the grace and
freedom Cindy is experiencing from Abigail’s leadership.
