Nicole, Someone Really Admires You! | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Nicole, Someone Really Admires You! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dot Hannah
09/17/14
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Nicole, Someone Really Admires You

September 16, 2014

It was almost autumn, September 16, 1975. The air had grown cooler, and leaves were dancing to the rhythm of an early morning breeze. The sun climbed high, and long, memorable hours passed before a gift of love appeared, red, bald, and innocent. Extraordinary from the moment she was born, her life has been a journey of love and a message of grace.

The advancing months consisted of continual crying and never ending sleeplessness. Worn out with this torture night after night, I thought I might not survive. How one tiny person could make so much noise and cause so much havoc was a mystery to me. At last after the first year, when she was no longer mad at the world, I slept. She became happy, lively, and good humored but already, an absolute charmer with thick, curly hair, her face a kaleidoscope of beauty.

She matured into a gentle, compassionate young woman with a God created personality and a warm, open, serene soul devoted to caring and sharing. She is the most contented, lovely and unselfish person I know, like a beautiful tapestry embroidered with the words, “Heart of a Servant.” God put a special young man into her life, whom she fell in love with and married. Chris and Nicole were immensely happy and quickly had as handsome a little boy as I have ever seen.

Shorty thereafter, her husband was diagnosed with a crippling, incurable, neurological disease. As the years have progressed, Chris’s health has deteriorated, and at one point he was near death because of complications. Nicole has remained a faithful encourager, always upbeat. When Chris was no longer able to work, she instantly became caregiver, mother, and breadwinner. She fulfills all her roles gracefully, believing every role is a gift of God. I have never heard her complain, and there is always a smile on her face. She enjoys people, and people enjoy her, because her love is like a magnet.

Not everyone in Nicole’s position has the Christian meekness that marks her noble actions. God handpicks specific ones, with certain characteristics, to gift such a high calling and assignment. In this materialistic and me centered world, Nicole is a precious gem, yielded to God’s sovereign control. You may ask, “What is the source of her strength?” She has been a God chaser from early childhood, and she has caught Him on multiple occasions. She has never staggered at His promises, even when trying to stretch money to pay bills and medical expenses. She has come to know that promises are only realized through enduring faith. She does not experience a lot of simple pleasures you and I take for granted, such as having groceries unloaded and someone to lift heavy items. If you’re a woman, try to think of all the things you depend upon your husband to do.

The Spirit of God gives power to stand in the face of any adversity. He gives control to conquer panic in difficult times. I like Nicole’s established example. When she feels like she’s losing her mind, she renews it. God never leaves anyone without the ability to faithfully fulfill his or her calling. There have been times when I should have been encouraging Nicole, but Nicole was encouraging me. You see, the Spirit of God flows through those who live in love. When love dominates, the power of God touches lives.

When I think of those I admire, it is not frivolous movie stars, athletes, or millionaires. It is exceptional people, like Nicole, who love wholeheartedly, never resent their lot in life and pour themselves out for others. They are thankful for the privilege to make a difference and see their cup as half full, not half empty. I admire givers, not takers, and I admire loyalty, and those who delight in serving with gladness, exercising love. There are countless military wives, whose lives are similar to Nicole’s and much harder. I admire all of them, as well as their outstanding husbands. If you are searching for a hero worthy of distinction to pay tribute, consider these inspiring, courageous ones, who in the highest, truest sense, are angels on earth, that is, real people with unique strength. And by all means, love and fervently pray for all of them.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) KJV

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