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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

I was visiting with a friend, whom I met at a ministry event, from Florida via text recently. We connected and our friendship has grown through the years. This day I had “connected in” just to see how she was doing. Here’s her response:

“I am at the skatepark with T., he is getting big fast! (He is the son of her brother who overdosed, and she is in the process of adopting him.) The daughter I had at 17 and placed for adoption found me; she is a Christ follower, had a beautiful childhood, is married with two children and is pregnant. We connected in December. All my prayers were answered for her. I share my story Sunday at church.”

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” — Jeremiah 1:5, NIV

I instantly started to cry when I read her text and saw her daughter’s picture. I can’t imagine the joy and healing in her heart. Experiencing the blessing of being a momma, having an adopted sister and two chosen (adult) children, I am passionate about the gift of life.

I know life can be hard and sometimes another raising your child is a gift of unselfish love. I also acknowledge there are circumstances beyond my comprehension. May we be slow to judge others.

Love. Grace. Repentance. Forgiveness. Redemption. Love. Jesus!

“God is working out all things for the good of his children, which means its’s not just our story that we are living for.” — “You Got This” by Melissa Horvath

I love birthdays. I am not a person that hides when my birthday is (Jan. 22), my age (60!) or shy away from celebrations!

The Celebration of Life or Sanctity of Human Life is Sunday as celebrated and acknowledged by many churches.

Let us each be thankful for our own birth, even if your story is messy or hard. Your life has a purpose — you do matter!

“You whom I have upheld since your birth and have carried since you were born. Even in your old age and gray hair I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” — Isaiah 46: 3b-4, NIV

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” — Isaiah 64:8, NIV

Thank you, Jesus, for my BIRTHday!

Robin (Beckman) Gudal is intentional in life, a wife, momma, nana, friend and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.