Noticed

Everywhere we go with Ruby, we are "noticed". It is hard not to look at a beautiful, little, black girl in a hot pink wheel chair being pushed by a white lady.  People look; some stare.

When I am in my own comfortable environment I don't pay attention to this as much. People know our story so when I have her with me at Zeeland Christian (the school I teach at) or at church we don't get looks or stares. People are used to Ruby.

Not the case in Montreal. We have gotten a lot of funny looks yesterday and today.  Some people have even asked us about Ruby and our story.  I don't blame people; they aren't being rude, just curious.  Hey, I would look too if a white couple tube feed a black girl in the grocery store cafe...it's only natural.

Somedays I don't mind it at all.  In fact, somedays I feel proud to be pushing around my beautiful, smiley little girl with the super tight curls. On these days I feel confident and and at peace.

Other days, I hate being looked at. It is awkward and I feel like I have be gracious, even when I don't want to be.  Sometimes I don't have the energy to explain Ruby or smile back at people when their eyes linger on Ruby's chair.

Yet, God choose us. He picked me to be Ruby's Mom. He choose Mark to be Ruby's Dad. I am humbled and honored by that truth. He wants us to take care of her this side of heaven.

So, I pray I will have the grace to tell Ruby's story.  The story of how God scooped Ruby up and placed her in our arms. He trusts us to care for her this side of heaven and it is a privilege.

I will tell people that.

Even though it is not easy, it is a privilege.

God, give me the courage to share. May I ever seek Your words, Your grace and Your peace.