One Beautiful Life

My Little Sister is 21 Today...

I love this picture. My dad (step-dad with whom I have dropped the "step" for those of you confused) had just returned from The Persian Gulf War. Cynthia was two... I think. A reporter from the local paper caught this precious moment before they embraced and it became the front page. It is forever on my heart.

Cynthia is forever on my heart. I am so blessed to have her for a sister. I can hear her squeaky little voice in the back of my head... I can feel her little body sitting on my hip and see her little smiling face peering into mine. She loved to wear this pair of clip on earrings I had... "ring gings", she called them.

She is 21 today. Thinking of years in those terms... life is flying by in rapid fashion.

She is rapidly changing from a girl into a young woman... right before my eyes. She struggles with several of the same "lies" that most young women of today wrestle with. But as she draws closer to God... He is shedding light on who she really is... captivating, adored, chosen, beautiful, daughter of a King. She is being transformed and it is beautiful.

My daughter adores her. In Abby's eyes... Cynthia hung the moon. When we are with Cynthia, Abby wants nothing to do with me. And even though it stings just a bit... well, bigger than a bit... it is precious. She wants to be fully in Cynthia's presence... and fully enjoyed by Cynthia. I LOVE to see them together... it is a gift to see that love.

Cynthia is funny. She is impulsive. She is thoughtful. She is caring. She is raw. She is soft hearted. She is contemplative. She is loyal. She is strong. She is resilient. She is shy. She is bold. She is sassy. She is sweet. She is beauty. She is my sister.

As the Lord blesses her with another year, this are the words I hope she carries with her, close to her heart.

"You are a woman. An image bearer of God. The crown of Creation. You were chosen before time and space, and you are wholly and dearly loved. You are sought after, pursued, romanced, the passionate desire of your Fiance, Jesus. You are dangerous in your beauty and your life-giving power. And you are needed. As a woman who has been ransomed and redeemed, you can be strong and tender. You speak to the world of God's mercy, mystery, beauty, and his desire for intimate relationship. You are inviting; you can risk being vulnerable, offering the weight of your life as well as your need for more because you are safe in God's love. You labor to bring forth life-- in creativity, in work, in others. Your aching, awakened heart leads you to the feet of Jesus, where you wait on Him and for Him. The eyes of His heart are ever upon you. The King is captivated by your beauty." Captivating, John and Staci Eldredge

Cynthia, I love you crazy. Happy Birthday Beautiful One.