She’s been a huge part of my life for a while now.

Thirty-six years ago today, she made me a mother for the first time. She has stretched me in that role more than I ever imagined possible.

It was routine, when she was a child, for her to come into the house carrying a snake that she’d found in the yard while playing. Lizards and turtles were a close second.

Stray cats; wounded fowl; and abandoned bird’s eggs were also fair game.

She always had a soft spot for the weak and vulnerable.

As she grew up, she brought people into our house. People with wounds on their hearts and brokenness in their souls.

She couldn’t bear the thought of someone not feeling seen, loved, or wanted.

She is my artistically creative child who has always had a gift to see life in a truly unique way and transfer those images to canvas or paper, costume or paint.

Her personality is as large as her heart. Her zest for life, unparalleled. 

Her story hasn’t been without its struggles, but those struggles have been the catalyst for a deep resiliency that have been marked with countless redeeming moments.

She has blossomed into a remarkable woman who knows no stranger; sees people through the lens of God’s love; and longs for a world where peace and harmony abound.

We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, but have grown to realize that our differences make us stronger. Our willingness to listen and learn from one another make us better.

She has gone from being my little girl to becoming one of my very best friends.

It has been one of life’s greatest joys and richest blessings to be her mother.

Jael – I pray that you would always know your true worth and value in Christ; that you would continue to love big, even when it hurts; and that you never forget that you’ve always been an answer to my prayers.

Keep shining, darlin’… the world needs your light.

Happy Birthday!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!