Over the years, I have come across many people that I will never forget. I remember their laughs, and their cries. I remember how I felt when I was with them. Over the past few months I have written notes to them. They will never see these notes, but maybe they will encourage you if you are in a similar place as them… The first note is to a young girl I met in Rwanda. The second is to a woman I met at Bethlen Home, and the third is someone that I have heard about, but have never met. I do hope that the words meant for them will speak to you.
“For this reason, I have not stopped remembering you in my prayers”
The one who clung to love
You stole my heart 6 years ago. We were on the streets of Rwanda when you stood next to me, then never left my side. You climbed in my lap and held my hand, and I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember your eyes, and your little voice. I remember what you whispered in my ear as it was time to go. Can you come home with me? It broke my heart to say no. And you clinging to love like your life is dependent on it… like you would never come across it again, I remember the tears as I had to pry myself out of your embrace and walk away. I will never forget you.
To you, the one who clings to anything that looks like love, I hope you know you are truly adored by a God who fiercely loves you. I hope you have grown to cling to that love. You desire for a man who will rescue you, but there is One who has. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice of love for you, by dying on a cross, and rising again. When you feel like you are not enough, know that what He did was more than enough. Always return to His arms that welcome you home.
To The Beautiful But Wounded
Dear wounded beauty, I’m not sure what happened to you, but I remember being scared 
of you the first time I visited you in the nursing home. The emptiness that the wound left was deep and visible, and your pain haunted me for the years to follow. I remember seeing you the second time though and your eyes were bright and full of life. I remember the joy you had as we sang you songs. I remember how amazed I was at how happy you were despite the deep wound.
You don’t need to be ashamed of the wounds. They make you beautiful. I hope that regardless of what you view as a stumbling block you know the peace that Jesus brings, and that it doesn’t matter the size of the wound because His love flows deeper than the deepest of pains that are inflicted. He sees the broken and calls it beautiful.
To The One Who Feels Like They Lost It All
When I imagined myself in your shoes I cried, I cried a lot. All that you have sacrificially given up, for the chance of a better life for the one you love is heartbreaking but beautiful. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. I can’t imagine your pain, but my tears show that there are people who care, even people you will never meet. I can imagine that it feels like your heart has been ripped out of your chest. And as much as it hurts, there is Someone who knows greater pain and understands your loss. He has not forsaken you, nor is He letting you walk this road alone. He is with you and comforting you, like a mother comforts her child. He will be with you when the days are lonely, and on the nights you wonder what would have been if you had make a different choice. He will be with you on the days when you remember instead of celebrate what would have been. He is with you when it is hard to take that first step out of bed in the morning, and when you cry yourself to sleep at night. And He will be there with love, every step of the way. He has a plan for you that is good, that is full of life. I want you to know that one day He will wipe every tear from your eye as you trust in Him. He is a good Father. Cuddle up in His arms that are gentle enough to wipe your tears, and strong enough to carry your burdens.
