A Not So Confidential Letter

I wrote this the other day but had not posted it yet.  This morning it took on an even deeper meaning...

Dear Howell, 

A powerful thing happened the other day.  While cleaning out my desk, I found my spiral notebook from 2002, the year I worked to get Blue Monarch started.  It was powerful to see that journey come to life in living color - hundreds of names and phone numbers of people I needed to talk to, lists of hopeful donors, notes from speaking engagements that I dreaded, questions that needed answers, and even reject names for the new organization.  The scribbled and crowded pages were still so full of energy and intensity, I could swear they would go up in smoke at any moment.  

One thing that caught my eye, however, was my note from the first attempt at creating a board.  I gathered some folks that I thought would believe in my dream and it didn’t go so well.  In fact, one new board member resigned before she even got to the meeting, and I didn’t exactly get the encouragement I was seeking.  My notes say, “Very discouraging meeting. Expected what can I do to help and here are some suggestions. Instead, I felt an overwhelming, it’s impossible.”  I ended it with a frowny face.  It was dated November 14, 2002.  

But pages later, dated December 3, I found my notes from an early conversation I had with you about the organization I wanted to develop to help women and children.  I had been introduced to you by Russ, a Rotary buddy of yours, and afterwards had sent you a detailed plan for what I wanted to do.  My notes quote you as saying, “Amazed at what you sent me...” and that is when my world shifted - and that of hundreds of women and children as well. 

 

It’s crazy, isn’t it, to imagine that even though I was a perfect stranger with nothing but an ambitious plan on paper, you and your sweet wife, Madeline, offered to secure a bank loan for nearly $1 million so we could purchase a beautiful farm to begin our ministry.  All we had to do was make the low interest monthly payments.  That closing took place just a few months later in March of 2003.  Thankfully we got the note paid off in ten years.  (I don't know who was most excited - you or me.) You have always been quick to give God all the glory for what you have done for us, but there is no telling how many people he had to go through before he found someone willing to step up to such a huge task, one that you eagerly embraced.  Well, actually, you were probably his first choice, now that I think about it.

Holy cow!  Just look at this journey we have traveled together!  Because of your blind faith and willingness to take an enormous risk, nearly 850 women and children have been offered a beautiful sanctuary to heal and recover. Over 275 children have been reunited with their mothers who had lost custody.  And over 500 children have experienced healthier relationships with their mothers.  You have marked every graduation on your calendar, and you have shown our women what it looks like for a man to adore his wife.  (This may be the greatest gift of all.)  You don't know how many times I have heard, "Did you see the way he looked at his wife?!"  That's when I would share the story you've told me many times about the day you and Madeline got engaged.

But I’m not quite sure if you realize what you did when you gave me your personal endorsement.  You didn’t just give me a pat on the back.  You looked me in the eye and said, “I believe in you.”  In fact, you left a sweet, encouraging message on my voicemail one Thanksgiving, which I refuse to delete so I can listen to it from time to time.  It always lifts me up and sets me back on track.

You see, you taught me the tremendous power of believing in others. Because of you and Madeline I get to look into the eyes (often tearful) of the courageous women we serve and tell them the very same thing.  "I believe in you."  In fact, that's what we strive to do every day at Blue Monarch.  The results are astounding and impact the entire family tree - those are some powerful words, alright.   

I am thankful you and Madeline have traveled this incredible journey along with me.  It's been tough - but I am grateful that along the way there was unexpected joy around every corner and I cherish the miracles that are still hard for me to believe.

Howell, I should probably warn you, I still take notes from our conversations and look what I ran across the other day.  Just so you know, I'm holding you to it.  And in fact, no matter who gets there first, you've got yourself a deal.  

Love,

Susan

P.S.  Howell, I just got the news of Madeline's passing last evening and my heart is broken.  I feel it's so significant she died on the very day we celebrated a beautiful wedding at Blue Monarch, a first for us.  You remember Lauren, one of our graduates who came from complete brokenness and addiction, who now flies a plane and is on our staff?  Her life was completely transformed through God's healing power at a program you and Madeline helped make possible, and she married a wonderful man who absolutely adores her.  And guess what.  I couldn't help but notice he looks at Lauren in the same way you always looked at Madeline.  I think Madeline would approve.  

  

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MADELINE ADAMS

Lord, may we never forget the tremendous power of an encouraging word. We just never know where it might lead.  Amen.