"My precious daughter, above all, remember this: You are chosen. You are loved. You have a family, a whole tribe of people, who are cheering you on, supporting you, and lifting you up in prayer," writes Lindsey Pratt, associate pastor at Pioneer Memorial Church.
I was sitting in class at the seminary when my phone rang. It was a call I had been waiting for, and yet when it came, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nerves. I stepped outside the classroom to answer, heart pounding, knowing that my life could change in an instant. It was your birth mother. Her voice was warm but filled with the weight of her decision, and when she asked me if I would be your mom, my entire world shifted. Holding my breath for a moment, and then with all certainty, I said yes. She chose me to be your mom, and in that moment, I chose you, too.
You were prayed for long before I ever held you in my arms. And when it finally happened, the sheer joy and awe were overwhelming. I was nervous, yes, but above all, I was so incredibly excited. Holding you felt like the beginning of a beautiful adventure, one I wasn’t quite sure I was prepared for, but one I knew I was meant to be on.
Along the way, there have been a lot of celebrations. And we’ve faced challenges too, like when you crashed your first bike, and I had to wipe away your tears. There will be many more ahead of us but through it all, my prayer for you, my sweet girl, is that you always know where your strength lies. Life can be so unpredictable, filled with both mountain highs and valley lows, but no matter what comes your way, may you remember to lean on God. His word and His love will guide you through everything, and I will always be by your side to celebrate the victories and help you through the struggles.
Life is moving so quickly, and it makes me want to hold on to these moments with you a little longer. You remind me every day to pause, to breathe, to appreciate the small wonders all around us. I’ll admit, there are times when I feel hurried, when we’re rushing to get out the door, or I’m trying to make sure we’re on time. But you, with your unbothered, gentle heart, remind me to slow down. Whether it’s because you’ve spotted a caterpillar inching along the sidewalk or because you’ve found a beautiful leaf and want to admire its intricate veins, you teach me the value of being present. Please never lose that gift, that ability to notice the small, quiet wonders of this world.
As you grow, continue to carry that same strong spirit with you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to stand up for what’s right, and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Keep your faith simple, yet strong. Continue to raise your voice for those who need it and never shy away from being a light for others. There will be moments of doubt, of fear, and of uncertainty, but remember, courage doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It means you take the step forward, even when you are afraid.
Will there be moments when you find yourself in places where you feel like you don’t quite belong, where you seem different, and perhaps, alone? Oh, yes. I’ve sat at tables where I wasn’t invited. I’ve spoken in circles where my voice was the different one. I’ve worked in environments where I was the only woman and treated as less than. It’s not always easy to stand out but remember this: Your courage to stay true to who God has called you to be in those moments is so very powerful. Don’t back away or back down. Your very presence in those spaces not only challenges the norms but creates a path for others who come behind you. You can be a glass-ceiling breaker. You can be an example. With every step you take, you’re showing the world, and yourself, that being who God has made you to be isn’t just OK, it’s what makes you extraordinary.
My precious daughter, above all, remember this: You are chosen. You are loved. You have a family, a whole tribe of people, who are cheering you on, supporting you, and lifting you up in prayer. And no matter what, God’s love for you is bigger than anything you could ever imagine. His love will always be there, unchanging, unwavering, and it will carry you into eternity.
With all my love,
Mommy
Lindsey Pratt is associate pastor for youth ministry at the Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan, a position she has held for the past five years.
