Amarelis

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9

Even when she was little, there was something different about Amarelis.  I taught her when she was in second grade.  Her breathing was labored, even when at rest, but she never complained. Schoolwork was not her strong point, but she kept plugging away. While the other children were trying to get their own way, Amarelis was giving way. When the other children squabbled, Amarelis gently sought for peace. She loved Jesus, and, in quiet ways, His light shone through her, although I did not realize what it was back then.  I have learned to recognize it now...now that I have learned the difference between "being nice" and "being in Christ".  As far as I know, she never lost that.

At my wedding, Amarelis caught my bouquet. The second time...the first time a married woman caught it as I was trying to throw over the heads of the little girls to the single women.  I threw too far and had to try again.  If it had to be a little girl who caught it, I was glad it was Amarelis. Another girl tried to take it from her.  Amarelis, being generous, would have given it up, but I forbade her.  I told her she could give the girl one of the flowers, but she must keep the bouquet.  Her face lit up. I had given her an excuse to say no.

At her graduation, she shone as a lovely young woman who still loved the Lord and touched the hearts of those around her.

I saw her again this last May.  On accident - or by design?  The Lord had been teaching me just that morning about grace...and about the fact that HE is the author, and finisher of our salvation.  It is not all on our shoulders, but it is on His.  We can't do it, but He can.  

I had gone to lunch at Red Robins, and coincidentally, was finishing my meal just as Amarelis was finishing her shift. Amarelis was one of the casualties of our church war. She still loved the Lord, but was wandering. Even though she was not going to church, her smile was as sweet as ever.  When I told her the Lord had shown me something that morning, her eyes lit up, and she was eager to hear.  I told her about grace...that the Lord still loved her, and that He would and could complete her salvation.  I did not know why it was so important, but I felt I HAD to tell her.  Now I know why. God sent me to Red Robins just to tell Amarelis that He loves her.

I have no way of knowing what path she followed once she left that day, but I hope it was one that led her to Jesus who loves her. I pray that, as her laboring lungs finally gave up, she fell into the arms of the Lord she had always loved.  I believe she has.

We love you, Amarelis.

Jules