““So I will strengthen them in the Lord, And they shall walk up and down in His name,” Says the Lord.”
Zechariah 10:12 NKJV
Today is a special day in our house. My baby turns 18.
Our Alathia Joy is like a hidden gem. Few have seen or recognize her beauty. Few realize her value. Few look close enough to see the depth of her.
This past year with her has been one of my favorites as I’ve begun the transition from just parenting her to also bring her friend. I just like her. A lot. She’s smart, funny, generous, and kind. She is diligent and deep. She knows the word to every For King and Country song and harmonizes like an angel. She works hard and loves harder. And she is a really good friend to have.
As I was reading today’s passage and thinking about her, this verse stood out to me because it is a prayer I’ve prayed for her. More than anything – I desire her to be strong in the Lord – so grounded in Him that nothing can move her.
In the original text, the phrases “so I will strengthen them” and “they shall walk up and down” are just two words:
gâbar: to be strong; to prevail, to exceed, to confirm, to be great, to be mighty, to strengthen, to be valiant.
hâlak – live, manner of life; denoting intimacy, walking justly and in faithful fellowship as Noah and Enoch did (Enoch walked with G-d and was no more -Genesis 5)
Those two simple yet complex words describe our girl.
Never have I known a person that “fits” their name like she does.
alḗtheia – true – as according to fact as measured against His divine nature; no hiddenness within. (John 4:23- G-d wants worshippers in spirit and truth)
As her future stretches before her, I see beauty on the horizon. I celebrate and honor who she is today – not for what she does but WHO she is. She is a gift and a blessing. I never knew how having a daughter would change me. She “gets” me and is quickly becoming one of my closest, most treasured friends.
Happy birthday my Alathia Joy. You are loved more than you know.
And – if you’re on Instagram and Facebook, would you give her shop a follow as a birthday gift? @true.joy.designs • Instagram photos and videos
Father – thank You for the gift of Alathia Joy. Thank You for her life and Your plan for her. You know the deepest desire of her heart – I trust You to bring it to pass. Be gracious to her. Guard and protect her. Keep drawing her close. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Zechariah 7-14
September 22, 2022