Sofia Lovely

One day last year, the school asked us to come pick up Sofie. One of her classmates had ringworm all over her scalp and body, and after her family was forced to shave her bald to treat the ringworm, the teacher had instructed everyone to steer clear of her until all her spots were no longer contagious. 

Classic third grade, she was teased incessantly that first bald and spotted morning at school, being told she had cooties and that anyone who touched her would have cooties, too. Despite being told several times to stay away and now with the teasing aimed at her, Sofie moved and sat in the friend's chair with her, rubbing her arms, hugging her, cupping her face and holding her hands, and yelling at the kids tormenting her.

By the time I got there, Sofie was pale and drenched in hot, angry, heart-broken tears...the jeers of their classmates crushing her own spirit, and feeling sick over disobeying continual instructions to avoid someone who was hurting, but continuing to embrace them, all the same.

This girl feels deeply, loves fiercely, befriends every child, toddler, baby or animal she has ever met at every store, yard, church, park or home, has a passionate sense of style, and I am THANKFUL to be her (tired) mama. Loving others is always very simple and true in her mind, and she reminds me. 

Happy NINE Sofia Lovely! It was a beautiful day with lots of friends throughout and God just reminded me again and again how as our hearts feel deep the gaps--the family not here, the family so far--He is the God of my gaps. He's in the gaps. This time of gaps are our golden hour...for He fills them with Himself. I will search and find Him there....and I did today. He filled our gaps with an abundance of new and newer friends, and what was still left, He filled with Himself. 

Trusting Him with the gaps in Sofie's life as we pour out our very best unto Him...into her soft heart. 

Love her.