My sister's going into the National Guard.
Sunday came quietly, like usual, slipping under the radar with a Sabbath morning of rest and glowing sunshine. And my close friend and I gardened, we dug our hands into the soil and planted basil and sunflowers and perennials that refuse to fade away. And we talked about redemption and beautiful things like that, feeling God's Peace as we sowed our seeds and watered them with life.
This morning came quickly, like a punch to the gut. Sister's about to ship out, and I'm still miles away, sending her off over voicemail with tears in my eyes.
Because Sister will always be Little Sister, no matter how old she gets or how far away she travels.
Because Sister is strong, stronger than most people think, and I just know she'll pull through. Because she falls down, she gets knocked around and told she can't do it, that military police is no place for her, and still she keeps on standing up. There's determination in her eyes that colors the world she sees, a world with walls and hurdles. But they're walls to be climbed and hurdles to be jumped over, and she'll do it, by the Grace of God she'll do it.
Because Sister's faith isn't cardboard or static, it's this raw heart stuff that is constantly being molded and shaped by God, even when it wrenches and twists and yanks. I know she clings to Him with bleeding hands, and it's because of this that I know she'll survive. She'll thrive.
Because I know she feels this is the path God has laid out so clearly for her to walk. And no one can call that fake or call her bluff. So I slip behind her in support as she steps forward with baby steps and lots of nerves but SO MUCH TRUST.
Because I can't wait to see her again, to lift her up in my arms and look in her eyes and see the many miles she's traveled, the long days and short nights, the weariness and the victory, all of the watercolors that make up her beautiful heart.
Because I want this to also serve as a reminder to lift her up in prayer, to saturate her with words of peace and protection from all around, from the moment she ships out to the day she returns.
My sister's going into the National Guard.
