The Joy of Hope and a Faith-Filled Child
Yesterday marked the second Sunday of Advent — the Sunday of Hope and Faith. Two candles now glow on the Advent wreath, and two themes shine brightly in my heart — because today, December 8th, is the birthday of my hope-filled, faith-brimming baby girl, Staci Michelle.
Fifty-six years ago, God handed me one of His greatest blessings, all wrapped in pink, with a determined spirit and eyes that already sparkled with purpose. And oh my — that little bundle grew into a woman who still wakes up like spiritual dynamite. I imagine the enemy groans, “She’s awake…” while her Heavenly Father nudges the angels and says, “Watch what she does today!”
She dreams big, believes boldly, prays fiercely, loves deeply, and dances to the rhythm of a heavenly drum. And her name? Staci Michelle: “resurrection life; like God.” Heaven whispered that name to us, and she has spent her whole life living it out: bringing resurrection life into every room, every conversation, every person she touches.
As I’ve been reading Isaiah’s promise that “a little child will lead them,” and Jesus’ reminder in Luke 10 about becoming childlike, I can’t help but see my girl. Advent is the season of expectation — wide-eyed, joyful, childlike expectation. The kind children feel on Christmas Eve when they can hardly stay under the covers because morning is just too good to wait for.
That’s the spirit Staci carries every day — and the spirit Advent invites all of us to reclaim.
Because this season is about leaning into the joy of the Savior who came for us — and leaning forward in anticipation of His return. It’s about resurrection life in us — the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead living and breathing through us (Romans 8:11).
So — you’re welcome, world! God blessed me with the privilege of bringing this resurrection-life girl into the world, and we’re all better for it.
Happy Birthday, my precious, faith-filled, joy-spilling-over daughter.
I love you more than words, and I thank God every day for the gift of YOU.