Tomorrow my first born baby girl graduates from high school.
I know that I should be saying,
"I can hardly believe that this day has come!" "Where has all the time gone!?"
But, the truth is she could not be more prepared for the path that is marked out for her. She has been marching forward to the beat of her Savior since the day she was born.
From her earliest time of speaking her questions about God have been deep and searching. As a small child, friends and teachers would always comment about her shyness. To which I would always think, "there is nothing as quiet as a seed growing." Her meekness--power under control-- is a mirror of Matthew 5--BLESSED are you beautiful Elle!
She will be spending the summer in Ethiopia, working with orphans in various areas of the country, before going to college in the fall. This mama would LOVE your prayers!
Hannah, Abby, Audrey, Elle and Claire at Senior Oral Defense. Each year of high school, Elle's classical school requires a thesis to be written and seniors must give an oral defense of their thesis and answer questions from a faculty panel. It is the pinnacle of their high school career, incorporating all that they have been taught. They begin working on this in the summer, before school even begins.
Elle's senior thesis was
The Enslavement of Justice:
Slavery in Modern Day America
How can we end slavery?
Only through Jesus! Because freed slaves do not enslave people. WE are freed slaves.
Elle totally rocked her speech.
It was the day of the terrible tornados in the south and the tornado sirens began going off as soon as she began speaking-- and she never skipped a beat. As I began to pray, "Lord, is this not what she is supposed to be speaking up for?" she began to speak louder, OVER the sirens and chaos happening outside. The audience never took their eyes off her.
Afterwards, Dr.George Grant assured everyone that we were in the tornado shelter already in the sanctuary and said that Elle was remarkable.
When she reads this, she will be upset with me for "bragging."
So I'll share-- 2 Corinthians 7:4--I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.--
and keep tracking!
Precious Ana Gabrielle,
Since you were a little girl you have lived a life of open handed generosity and set an example of a selfless, servant leader.
Your determined spirit, clothed with gentle strength and compassion has enriched the lives of our family and has blessed so many beyond our borders.
Your heartbeat echoes our Lord's, as it beats for every nation and breaks for those who have no one to defend them.
You have brought us unspeakable joy as we have watched the Lord mold and shape you, and guide you along His path. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:6
You are radiant with God's grace and beauty, inside and out!
We love you more than words can express and we praise and thank God for bringing you into our lives!
Mom and Dad, Nash, Nate, Mercy, Isaiah, James and Levi
10 comments:
Precious girl indeed! She does have a pretty great mom behind her though.
Beautifully said. I have admired the beauty of Elle's heart from the first time we met her. She truly shines! I pray my girls will be like her some day.
Congratulations Elle! I look forward to hearing all about your summer in Ethiopia. I will be praying for you.
Blessings,
Amy
Absolutely why we named our Ella after her! From the first time I met her at such a young age she has been so special. We always said she was annointed...we're all anointed, but Elle has always lived like she was. She's always known who she is. An Image Bearer, an ambassador of Truth, a warrior for Peace, a messenger for Hope. I'm so thankful we've had the privilege of knowing you and so grateful my girls have you to look up to. So proud of you, sweet Elle!! much love and prayers on your journey!! And to you, sweet Tracy, I've learned leaps and bounds about being a momma on my knees for my babies from you. Such a strong warrior for those God has entrusted in your care. Praying for you, too, dear friend.
What a special day for your beautiful girl! I can't wait to hear more about her experience in Ethiopia, I know that she will do incredible things there!
Beautiful Elle, oh my goodness so proud of you! Harry just graduated also, we will be praying for you, caN't believe tornados during your oral defense and Tracy can't wait to see you my sweet friend, hopefully in July!
What beautiful words for your beautiful baby girl. I too have a shy little one ... love what you wrote about there being "nothing as quiet as a seed growing." Congrats to Elle and well done Mom.
I can only imagine all that God has in store for her!
Lifting Elle up in prayer from Hong Kong,
Kim
We don't know each other but I was blessed by your post. I stumbled onto your blog and am glad I did. Our children also attend a Classical Christian school. We are a little bit behind you on our journey to adopt from Ethiopia. Thank you for your wisdom in this post and others on your blog. I would love to get a copy of your daughter's thesis on slavery. I don't know how to go about getting that or if you would be willing to share it. The anti-slavery campaign has impacted our family as well (in many ways that are too private to share in this space). World Relief in Spokane just did a fund raising campaign to help eradicate slavery and human trafficking in our city. It was called "Run for THEIR lives."
Blessings to your family,
Jason
What encouragement to read about the army that is being built up...your daughter, no doubt, is a leader for that. I cannot imagine how proud you must be!
Blessings to precious Elle! We have been honored to love you, sweet lady. We will be praying you through the summer ~ truly your heart is "set on pilgrimage". Miss and Love you!!
Love, Gillian and family
You have such a beautiful daughter! She has an amazing heart! Congratulations, Elle!
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