homecoming

Matt and I are just finishing an incredibly long, but sweet roadtrip to North Carolina for Uncle Harold's funeral.  We both had precious time with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Martin, Angie, Uncle Dave, Brian and Susie, Jeff and Laura, Kate and Storly, Rachel and Isaac, Tom and Tonya, and lots of other heroes of ours. Miranda held down the fort at home with the kiddos, along with a lot of sweet mamas who hemmed our kiddos into their weekend activities to make it possible for us to go!   

Sitting on the front porch with various family members, we got to hear all about Uncle Harold being born in this house, his sister's house on one side and his brother's house on the other. A family of farmers, Harold had planned to take over the family farm until the Lord really got ahold of his life and called him to a different Harvest.  What a humbling weekend to sit and hear SO many stories about this godly and humble man, many of which included Aunt Mary, praying in the room next door. 

We celebrate so mightily the ball-catching or song-singing abilities of other humans, but the times that Harold Brown was sanctified and abandoned to bring peace to impossible situations, the times that painful and sacrificial faithfulness was needed and persevered, the testimonies that transformed people's entire lives and future generations....these stories are often passed over. 

Not by Him. 

I'm so thankful for the strengthening in my bones and spirit that came from the stories and faithfulness of Harold and Mary and so many others this weekend! I'm so thankful for this Family of Faith God has woven us into! I'm so thankful Matt got to preach such a sacred funeral, Harold, just a few moments ahead, and that we were able to be there to mourn and celebrate and remember and be edified together!