Welcome, Freak!
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 10:11PM On May 13, 2009, Patrick and Brandy welcomed their first child (Matthew Oliver) into this world, and we welcomed another freak!
I think kids are one of the best things about living in community. To see them know each other, love each other, and grow up together is truly amazing. To see them loved by so many adults - where they consider someone 5 years old, 30 years old, and 60 years old their friends - is special. And the best part is that they don't even realize how lucky they are. These "little freaks" consider life together "normal."
But what really blesses me about this birth is the way it reveals the love and healing of our Father. As a child, Brandy tragically lost her mom. It is something she has had to struggle with God through her whole life. On the exact day that she lost her mom, 20 years later, Brandy became a mom. The 20th anniversary of a tragedy is the day God chooses to provide a miracle.
We live in a fallen world, and I think we often underestimate how fallen this world is (and how fallen we are). Yet we have a good God, relentlessly revealing Himself. I often hear the question of why a good God would allow bad things to happen. I am beginning to think the real question is: why do good things happen at all in this world we live in? People take the presence of evil as proof that God doesn't exist. I believe the presence of good is all the evidence we need that He does.
So here's to you, Matthew Oliver. Your life says more about God's goodness than I could ever write.
Reader Comments (5)
Henri Nouwen wrote that "the world is evil only when you become its slave." I think you're right, Rishi, that God's goodness around here is the miracle, and nothing is more astounding and miraculous than the birth of a child. You and your community of hope are right to celebrate! Matthew Oliver is a sure fire sign that God still cares deeply about all of us.
What a great quote, Francis. And thank you for the wonderful encouragement.
Yes, welcome Matthew Oliver--we're so glad you're here!
I didn't know about the anniversary. How incredible.
And I couldn't agree more, Rishi. I've been thinking things along these same lines recently.
I think "incredible" is a good word for it, Amy. I can almost hear Jeff saying, "God does things like that!"
But I'm still amazed every time He does. When will I become convinced?