Ready

Born premature with a sickly body and underdeveloped lungs,
Raised in a Christian home,
Dropped out of school in the third grade,
Rebelled most of her life,
Supported herself at an early age by establishing a reputable name as a seamstress,
Divorced twice,
Strong-willed and selfless,
A very dear person in my life recently found for herself the importance of being baptized as a believer in Christ Jesus. This woman's health prevents her from leaving the confines of her studio home in the Richmond area; yet she carries on independently. Her desire to live with a purpose and with meaning through serving others surpasses most anyone I have encountered in my years of schooling, traveling, churching, living. Though her heart desires greatly to fellowship amongst a body of believers, she can not physically be in a public setting for more than an hour here or an hour there. The doctors, both western and eastern, agree that her existing with these severe conditions is nothing short of a miracle. They admire her determination to push-on, even as she suffers a constant case of bronchitis and weighs a measly 85 pounds. This 50-something year old woman surprises not only her family but her acquaintances with her will to live as well as her selflessness. She gives all of herself and never demands for anything in return. The weakness of her body has not stopped her from bringing joy to the lives of those around her. Her physical limitations have not discouraged her from living. A few months ago, she was near death, and at that time she realized that though she did good for others in her life, the uncertainty of the future and what was to come post death troubled her most inner thoughts. She could not shake from her mind the uneasiness of not having control of what will become of her. All her life she had battled with her physically limitations, giving them slim chances to dictate her lifestyle. Her intention was never to show others she could do anything her heart desired. Now, no longer capable of caring for herself, she was ready. Encouraged by long time friends and family members, she returned to a book covered with dust to find answers. Of course as she read, she had questions. She remembered the stories she heard in Sunday school as a child, but at this point in her life there was no way she could understand all the words in the Bible. The sentences seemed foreign to her, and though she found the reading difficult, she was captivated by the grace and love she had so often heard about from other Christians. Each morning before preparing for the day, she spent time in the Word, reading a few verses from the Bible and praying for understanding. Now, several months after consciously engaging in such a habit, she wants nothing more than to be baptized as a child. Her diligence in studying the Bible morning after morning has rewarded her with a greater understanding of Who God is. She acknowledges God's justice and wishes for newness and restoration of love through Christ's resurrection. Her drive to live now is grounded by hope because she is alive together with Him, triumphing over her health conditions and the consequences of this world. She is ready for this next step in her spiritual life; she is ready to obey. She is my aunt.