A Note from a Proud Father

God has blessed me beyond anything I have ever deserved. I have two beautiful girls and a beautiful wife. Though each one of them deserves special recognition, I had the honor of writing the following piece as my youngest daughter was recognized on "Ring Day" for her advancement to the Senior Class. These are the thoughts of a proud mother, father, and sissy of an ornery little girl who has grown to a beautiful young lady.

As is eluded to below, Lauren was born with an illness that almost took her life. By the grace of God and some amazing circumstances that only He could work out, her life was spared. For the first few years of her life there was concern whether or not she would ever walk. Last night her team won their first playoff softball game of the year. She's a pretty good catcher for a girl who was not supposed to walk!

My wife chose a ring for her that was a ribbon that has been formed into a cross. My thoughts on that are below.

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Lauren,

There are no words to express the depths of gratitude that we feel for God’s favor upon us by allowing us to be your parents. Your strength, tenacity, and diligence have shone through in every area of your life.

Told as an infant that your continued life was questionable, you began a battle that you have fought for the entirety of your life. Told as a young toddler that you would never walk, you defied the odds and taught yourself to walk, even against doctor’s orders.

You have battled against disease, difficulties, and disappointments. In doing so, you have developed an infectious personality that does not know how to quit. You have grown to a young lady of beauty, admired by all. You have become a champion on the field because you have been a warrior in your heart. Indeed, the words of Romans 8:37 have often been poured into your life, and they have become true: In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

It is because of this tenacious and conquering spirit that we give our beautiful young lady this ring. The Eternal Ribbon Cross Ring is given to you because your life has become bound up in the Cross of our Savior. This ring symbolizes that you are a ribbon of beauty who has been joined to Christ for eternity because of His love for you.

Lauren, we continue to pray for your health, happiness, and holiness. We pray that you will continue to fight the battles with the measure of faith given by God. As you remember that He has made us more than conquerors, remember that he has done so only for His glory. As long as your life is bound up in Him, you can know that you will always continue to conquer the battles because there is neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all of creation that will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We Love You!!

Daddy and Mommy