A Morning with Francine Rivers
Today was a very special day for me. Over the last 4 years, there have been those moments when my mom seems so alive to me. On a daily basis, I don't think about her much. I feel that is so awful and feel so guilty but I think it is just part of living in the present and not in the past. I think it is part of the initial grieving and ongoing healing. I know it is what she would want. And then there are those times when she IS ever present in my day. Maybe I ran into an old friend of hers and hugging her was like hugging my mom. Or getting to see the response and expression in the face of a very old friend of hers when they meet little Emery Rose, knowing what a miracle she is and how much my mom loves her even now.... its like I'm seeing the expression on my mom's face. These moments are difficult for me to put into words to express what it does to me and my emotions. But I will do my best. Because I believe it really is a supernatural phenomenon that only God can allow and create for us that are left behind after our loved ones have passed.
Today was another one of those days. Two weeks ago I walked into People's Church for the first time on a Sunday morning and found out that my most favorite author in the entire world was going to be there in 2 weeks! I jumped up and immediately bought a ticket! And immediately my mom was on my mind. I wished she were here to enjoy this with me because she would also be so excited! I've been looking forward to this morning for 2 weeks and I was so excited when I woke. As I got ready, then walked into the chapel and finally got to hear Francine share her testimony and the story behind her books, it felt as thought my mom was present with me once again.
You see, my mom is the one who first gave me a copy of Francine's book Redeeming Love. And it is still, to this day, my favorite book! That was the year before my mom passed away. And since then I have gone on to read all of Francine's books over the past 4 years with the exception of the Lineage of Grace (which I just bought on Amazon! lol). My mom is the one who introduced to me to the most amazing, talented, and gifted Christian author! And as I read each book, I feel my mom.
I shared this with Mrs Rivers along with the story of avoiding her latest 2 books about mother/daughter relationships but finally read them both while pregnant with Emery. It was a special time and my life has been enriched through the gift of writing that God has given her. I was blessed to be the first one to speak with her and I had her sign my Redeeming Love book to "Amy, Emery and Linda". What a beautiful morning this was. I will dwell on its richness all day!!!
