Dear Als, You're becoming...

Dear Als, You're becoming...

Hey Ali girl! We made it to 27 years of life, and God has been present in every moment. Recently, I had a thought that made me reflect: What would little 7-year-old Al think of me now? Then I wondered, "Would 17-year-old me believe it if I told her this was my life?" Honestly, the answers were quite different. Seven-year-old me would be so proud. Her main focus was always three things: loving God, being safe, and having fun. Although I live my life quite differently now, I still seek God, and even when I stray, I always return to the safety of His arms, His grace, and His love. Seventeen-year-old me, however, might have a more negative view. She saw the world through the pain she was experiencing, loved her passions, but lived recklessly, allowing shame to dictate her path. I thought, "Seventeen-year-old Als would say, you're not dancing, you're a single mom, and you're not with the man you married. Of course, this is our life; I'm not surprised." I stopped myself as tears ran down my face. It feels like I've lived so many different lives, and I'm only 27. Seventeen-year-old me will always see the shame, but she needs the grace and - very importantly - the mercy that my seven-year-old self would give. As I reflect today, I want to say this is who I am becoming.

Als is becoming a woman whose standards reflect the heart of the Creator. Purity, joy, and gentleness describe her. Beauty, because the one who created her makes beauty from ashes. He works all things together for those who love Him.

Als is becoming joyful AGAIN. One of my favorite stories involves a close friend from college. During some of the hardest times in my life, I held onto a calm hope in Jesus, unknown to others. She was my closest friend then. Years later, I shared how I once contemplated not living anymore, but through God's grace and the obedience of one of His people, I was stopped. I shared this on social media, and my friend sent me a text I never expected. She wrote about a time she felt similarly, but spending the day with me and seeing my joy made her stop, and she's here because of that. I often think of this because she had no idea that telling me this allowed me to see the joy reflected in my life when I trusted Jesus. I want that joy back.

Als is becoming hopeful.

Als is becoming not a reflection but a unique, different, and beautiful version of the clay in The Potter's hands.

As we conclude our first letter, let's keep in mind that today marks the beginning of who we are becoming. Happy 27th, my love.

I love you, and you are so loved.

Love Als