The Blessing of Spring (an adoption story)
February 21, 2013
I've been noticing that some of my friends online are talking about spring's arrival like it is just around the corner... not so where we live. I was reading through my journal recently and found last year's entry dated April 18. I wrote, "Spring has broken through in life and in the season."
It looks like spring is a good two months away in my world.
But the hope of spring, that feeling of lightheartedness, breaks through into my life on a regular basis in the music of my friend by the same name.
Meet my friend Spring.
Spring is a gifted musician, songwriter, and recording artist. She is also a busy homeschooling mom and she contributed some words of creative wisdom to my e-book Nurturing Creativity.
Meet Wisly. Wisly is the six year old boy that Spring's family is adopting from Haiti.
After Haiti's devastating earthquake in January 2010, Spring and her husband Rich felt called to step up and do something. Something significant. Something that would forever alter the course of their lives and the life of a small boy living in an orphanage.
From the very beginning I have admired Spring's courage. For stepping into a situation that would break her heart. How can you open yourself up to receive another child this way without having your heart broken? I have prayed for her and also honestly prayed, "dear God please don't call me to ever do that, I don't think my heart could take it."
A couple months before this adoption journey started, and a long journey it has been, Spring released a full length album of her music called My Song. Album sales have been instrumental in helping to fund the costly adoption process.
I've already mentioned that Spring is a gifted musician. But it's not just Spring's musical proficiency and her years of training that make this album such a great recording - it's Spring's heart, it's her message.
Spring is a worshipper and a worship leader in the very real sense of the word. Her music brings me closer to God's grace every time I listen to it. She leads me into worship.
When I am going through a particularly difficult time her music is the first thing I'll play to lift my eyes from my situation. Her songwriting, her beautiful voice, and talented musicianship never fail to lift my heart when it's heavy. Spring's music points my heart and mind in the direction of God's mercy, provision, and beauty when I'm unable to clearly see those for myself.
Spring's music has been a gift to me. I've written her many e-mails over the years expressing my deep gratitude that she shared this with the world, with me.
Over the years I've thought, "I have to share this on the blog" and then I never do. Well, today I am. I'm telling you what a wonderful encouragement Spring's music has been in my life and directing you to where you can buy an album for yourself.
Spring's family is, God willing, nearing the completion of Wisly's adoption and it was impressed upon my heart a couple weeks ago that I could help support that effort by writing about her album. The money Spring's family makes from album sales goes directly to the many adoption costs. As a close friend I have been privy to the financial realities of an international adoption. God has provided the finances but not without sacrifice on the part of Spring's family.
I am laid low by Spring's journey, convicted by her faith and willingness to walk this hard road.
Telling you about her album and encouraging you to buy it is the least I can do to support this adoption.
I am honored to call Spring my dear friend and to have her voice fill my home and heart with hope. It is my privilege to share her story and her music with you.
Click here to listen to her music and to buy an album for yourself. Bring the blessing of Spring into your home regardless of the season.
