Tiny Dancer

For those of us who  donned layers of tulle--back then we just called it net--and who delighted in the whirr of momma's machine stitching those costumes or the arrival of the recital regalia in a box, there surely is a knowing smile in seeing the photo above. We can imagine so much associated with this pic of the tiny dancer and her beautifully posed leg.

This dancer has a name and a story I'd like to share. Her daughter found the pic yesterday and thought it was her big sister, or perhaps herself, only to discover it is a photo of her mom. Mothers and daughters can be like that: distinct and separate,  yet inextricably linked by a powerful bond and sometimes by physical features as these two share in many ways.

I lovingly offer an update on Cindy's story, previously shared here.  Her Caring Bridge is the site of my writings these days in loving service and prayer.

Hers is the most grace-filled, courageous, unselfish life story in the face of tremendous pain and loss that I have observed. She has taught me much that I must absorb and emulate when I, too, encounter hardship and unimagined difficulty. Too many specifics to share, and I'm not sure I can even express in words...but I am still learning how to reflect this life of profound faith and trusting in God's provision.

I have seen it done.

I know nothing is impossible.

I don't mean miraculous turn-arounds and quick healing as we have longed; I mean living into those  impossible fears and declaring what we can and cannot do in life. We can do hard things. We live faithfully, day in and out, trusting the only one who can support our steps when we falter.

Snapshots of a precious pair whose hearts are forever intertwined offer a glimpse of faces to go with the story.  God bless them both. Dance on!

"Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!"
Psalm 150:4

Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine" is the desired soundtrack for this right now. It is playing in my head, but I don't want to run afoul of copyright laws. Maybe I can post the lyrics anyway....

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the sun

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I
fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

[- From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mercyme-lyrics/i-can-only-imagine-lyrics.html -]