Randy and Paula Jacoby moved to Reynolds, GA in 1993 when Randy became Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Reynolds. The next year they became the proud parents of two beautiful little twin girls – Ahnna and Abigail. Although the family left Reynolds in 1999 when Randy accepted the call at First Baptist Church of Folkston, GA – I have stayed in touch through the years. I just have a thing for remarkable families – and this family is definitely one of the remarkable ones.
A few years ago, the Jacoby’s adopted a little girl from China. Addie is now a huge part of this family and because of the magic of Facebook, I have watched her grow with this family. I have also thought many times as to where Addie would be if not for Randy, Paula, Ahnna and Abigail. They gave this little girl a wonderful life. They forever changed her present and her future.
Today the entire family (including Addie) is back in China. For certain, they are not taking Addie back. But they traveled during the holidays to bring back another little girl with them. I have been following them the last few days from Jacksonville to Detroit to China and watched as they did a little sightseeing. This morning I saw pictures for the first time of little Mia, who is the latest addition to this amazing family.
In looking at the pictures, maybe Mia looks just a little scared. This little girl has no idea what is in store for her. The truth is, just as it was for Addie, her present and future has been forever changed. She will be loved unconditionally and all her needs will be forever met - beyond what she can even imagine. She doesn’t know all that yet but from our perspective, it is very easy to see.
Her life will not be perfect. She will laugh much but she will also cry along the journey. Like the rest of us, she will experience disappointments and bumps in the road along the way. She will experience illness from time to time and even separation from people she loves as time goes on. But there is no way she could ever compare her new life to what her old life might have been. And she did nothing to earn her new life. It is simply a gift.
And that, my friends, is not only the story of Mia Jacoby but it is the message of the Bible.
Thanks to the Jacoby family for reminding me of that as we begin a brand new year. Our present and our future have been forever changed. We didn't earn it or deserve it. It is simply a gift.
1 comment:
What a beautiful post Bruce. I have never felt so inadequate and helpless as we have walked these first few moments with Mia. She has been so brave...so,so brave. We pray today brings a tiny bit of healing as more pain surfaces. You are right, this is nothing short of a miraculous gift God has invited us to be a part of. Family...through hard and good..the bond can never be broken. So thankful for the love of Christ that is healing hurts..deep hurts. Much love to you, Paula
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