About 8 months ago I found out that Aaron had left a “letter” for me to read when the time was right. He shared some very personal and intimate things with one of our neighbors – who he had just met that day – and he told her to tell me these things when the time was right. The story of how I got the letter and the impact this person has had on Noraa’s life and mine is such an unbelievable story and I will definitely share it soon, but right now I want to share a little bit about the letter….
Once I gained enough strength and courage to even open the letter, the first words I read were, “Don’t cry because I am not here with you. Be happy because I was in your life!” Well needless to say I fell to my knees sobbing! He also said that he wanted me to live life and be joyful! Go out and share our story and all that God has done and is going to do in Noraa’s life and mine. Well, at the time I received the letter, I was not truly living a life that reflected this true joy and hope that Aaron wanted for us. I was letting my feelings and fears get the best of me. Big time! It wasn’t until I was encouraged by Aaron’s letter and introduced to Hebrews 6:18-19 that my outlook on really living this kind of life changed!
“So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”
Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
Throughout our entire journey or “storm” our hope was anchored in God’s truth and His word, so why was I not living the same way after the storm?.. I was allowing my emotions to toss me around and I lost my confidence and hope that I had in His promises. Its almost like I had dropped my anchor of hope and I was just dragging it through the storms and trials I was facing. Instead of dragging it I needed to pick up my anchor of hope and sail!
A couple of months after reading Aaron’s letter and falling in love with Hebrews 6:19, I decided (against my parents will) to get a small tattoo of an anchor. For me it is a constant reminder of what my hope is anchored to, God’s Truth! And because I have this hope it gives me courage through the storm and after. God has promised us a safe return with Him! Our journeys will not be easy, but they are possible with Him. So, Noraa and I are definitely ready to start living and enjoying this life! We want to pick up our anchors of hope and sail into the deep with Jesus by our side! Are you ready?! Let’s be bold together! 🙂
I came across this poem when I was reading through some of the comments from an older blog post and I thought it was appropriate to share:
You said to lean on your arm,
And I am leaning.
You said to trust in Your love,
And I am trusting.
You said to call on Your name,
And I am calling.
I am stepping out on Your word.
~ Maya Angelou
We love you!!
Suzanne and Noraa
Photo Credit ~ Christina Craddock Photography
Running With Peace 