Anyone who reads my blogs on here or facebook knows that I eat, sleep, drink, say it, spray it and love the "orange" concept. What is orange for those of you who do not know? http://whatisorange.org/ Check it out. For me, orange is more than strategy, it embodies my idea for family and the way we learn and grow together. I share this with anyone who will lend me an ear and I will pull on it for hours at time. I am passionate about family.
Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.
Much love-
Stacy
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