Christie's Testimony
Success is a hard word to define. My generation has taken it to mean so many superficial things, such as money, fame, beauty, and even happiness. For me, success is demonstrated and embodied in my mother and father. They are role models for me in everything. So success for me is not an abstract ambition, but it has a face (two faces, rather), and in striving toward it, I find myself aspiring to be more and more like them.
Ever since I was little, they have loved me selflessly, disciplined me lovingly, and taught me wisely. Not a day went by while growing up that my parents did not try to influence my values so that they were aligned with Kingdom values. I have had the privilege of watching their fruit multiply in abundance. The reality of the Lord’s goodness and grace is undeniable in light of their lives. I did not realize this growing up, but now that I am a young adult with hindsight, I am both amazed and grateful. I owe my relationship with God and my love for the church largely to my parents, who faithfully modeled it for me unceasingly. Had I not had such committed parents, I wonder whether or not I would be walking with the Lord today and such a thought scares me. In Heaven, they will be the first people I will approach to thank them for pointing me to the Lord.
Mom, I remember when you used to teach us Bible Studies when we were barely old enough to understand the gravity of the Gospel message. You have been a loving, gentle shepherd of your little flock who has lacked for nothing. You have prayed for me everyday without fail since I was in the womb. Such a spiritual covering over me has all too often been taken for granted. You are my role model for everything. You have modeled being a faithful
daughter in your relationship with your own mother, whom you have brought great joy that is evident. You have modeled for me how to be a working woman with integrity in a hostile, secular work environment. You have modeled how to be a submissive yet strong wife and helpmate to a husband. Although submission is painted by the world to mean weakness, you have demonstrated to me in your perseverance, patience, sacrifice, and forgiveness that submission means strength. You have modeled motherhood through your love, your mentorship of me, your provision, and your selflessness. What a privilege it is to be your daughter. Whenever I read Proverbs 31, I can’t help but marvel at how you could have been the woman the passage was describing. God in all His wisdom could very well have had you in mind when He wrote it.
Dad, I will always be your little girl. I still remember how you disciplined my attitude above all else, how you inspired me to try new things (like run for office), and how you trained me to perform Rhapsody in Blue in front of people. At the time, I often could not see the reasoning behind any of this but you always said I would thank you later. Well, I would now like to take the time, as a grown adult, to thank you Dad for all your effort in being the best father. Dee-oh-dee-oh-dee! Thank you for persevering with your training of me to be a godly woman, even though I often struggled against it. You are my swimming buddy, my partner in exploring storms and buildings, my fellow emotional ‘F’ in the family, my favorite preacher, and my respected teacher and mentor. Thanks for being all that and much more for me, your only daughter.
When I hear about the family situations of my peers, or meet other parents, I am amazed and proud of you guys, who stand head and shoulders above everyone else. Have a Happy 30th anniversary and may God continue to bless you with many more to come!
Love,
Christie
