There is something more precious than the heart of a butterfly- wrapped in the heart of a mother.
Nothing is more soothing than the soft crooning and warm whispers cultivated deep within one designed to love like a mother.
I have knelt beside and basked within such a woman's heart created for a divine call. This warrior woman, so gentle and hospitable, poised ready to celebrate each one of us she has the vast privilege to know. I mean who else has a fridge adorned with volumes of snapshots highlighting each wedding among her 'kids', welcoming her to every provision the fridge has to offer each day. Talk about perfect opportunity to actively stand in agreement for those she has been gifted as treasures to behold.
Something as touching as a this needs a spotlight. Erica you are in thousands of spotlights now as we think of you with great intensity and fond affirmation. We have created a mosaic of care from many diverse stages and phases of life, you have touched each and every one of us. Way more than a passing glimpse or a fleeting season. Your love holds true and spans across decades.
To me you have been a role model of what it means to be a family. I don't take this lightly. Coming from a broken home and even having the experience of foster home and adoption, family has become a term that means something both unitingly strong to me and yet delicate. The grace in which you give to those before you, cherishing each one, makes me feel proud to embrace you as my 'mom'. A spiritual mentor, a lap to cry, a hand to hold, a spark in the dark.
I learned the knack of hospitality in your kitchen. Never before have I witnessed something as simple as using every cup in the house to serve guests at one time. Simple and yet profound to me. It is like your cup never empties, your heart runs over ever so willingly. Ever so open to giving. It gives life to the word 'unconditional' and spreads like wildfire within me. You are part of a community of family that has given me purpose and a clearer sense of identity. Even when you struggle and are less than perfect- love is your testimony like the ease of breathing.
I say this all to process this thing we collectively face in searching for you. It is only an event that will pass and does not rob you of who we know you are true to be. So, let us love for you on your behalf. Let us treasure you and be poised ready to your needs. We willingly war for you and cry for you. Our mosaic of love like a blanket wrapping you safe and warm to Papa's chest. We contend for you and actively stand in agreement as our hearts continue to pour out, like wildfire, that can not be quenched. Erica, let us humbly commit to you in our unique givings, until we hear the words, and decades beyond, 'Beloved Welcome Home'.
