That takes some Rizpah

When Christian women think of a woman role model in the Bible, they usually go straight to the Proverbs 31 woman.  While that woman has some serious qualities to be envious of, there are many other awe inspiring ladies in the Bible.  I recently studied a woman who I had never studied before...

Her name is Rizpah.  Her story is tragic, yet her character shines through.

Rizpah was one of King Saul's concubines.  At one point during his reign, Saul attempted to wipe out the entire population of Gibeonites who were living in Israel.  Because Joshua had promised protection to the Gibeonites, they were a little upset over this task and so was God.  Israel began experiencing a three year famine after the attempted annihilation. When King David came to rule, he attempted to make amends with the Gibeonites in hopes of ending the famine.   They called for the death Saul's sons -- two of those belonging to Rizpah.  Her two sons were put to death and left for the animals to devour.  Her sons were not given a proper burial, and momma was not going to settle for that.

Bless this momma's heart...instead of getting mad, bitter or depressed over the situation, she gets out her sackcloth and she stands on the mountaintop with her dead sons from approximately late April (during the barley harvest) to early October (when the rains come) to scare away the birds and the animals.

Think about that for a minute.  No shelter.  No companion.  Just her and God and two dead, rotting bodies.  FOR SIX MONTHS. She couldn't have gotten much sleep because the animals come out at night.   Can you imagine being outside in the dead of night and turning around to see glimmering eyes and a set of chompers staring at you in the face, ready to devour your two sons? That takes some... "Rizpah"

This mother fiercely loved her children and faithfully stood by their side until they were given a proper burial.  She fought for what was right.  And she won!  Not only were her sons given a proper burial, but the other five men were as well.  Her faithfulness paid off.

Our faithfulness through tough situations will also be rewarded.  God knows your situation and He will provide... in His time.  We just have to be faithful and leave the rest up to Him.  As Mother Teresa said "I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful."

May we find the love, courage and tenacity of Rizpah to be faithful through our toughest situations.

Happy Birthday Honey!

This year marks this 8th birthday that I've known you.  Wow, the time flies!

I can't blindfold you and drive you three hours to the beach this year like I did for your 19th birthday because we don't have the time. We don't even have time to drive 45 minutes to the beach! We are busy... and broke but we still make time for each other.  And those moments and memories are what I love and look forward to.

Little things like this...
I love how you get excited when you know we are going to have something good for dinner... like tacos.  (PS - We are having those tonight for your birthday)

I love that you sing your heart out in the car, no matter who is in the car with us.

I love that you talk football with me like I'm one of the guys.  One of these days I'm going to get it!

I love that you make me laugh by being your silly self. 

I love how you are spontaneous, yet easy going.  You provide a balance to my planned life in a way I never thought I needed.

I love that you lead the high schoolers in FCA and men's group at church, among all your other responsibilities.  You are such an amazing example of what a man should be -- loving, smart, dedicated, determined and respected.

I love that you can carry on a conversation with anyone about anything.  You are incredibly gifted in connecting with people. 

I love that you love and care for my family as your own, even with all their crazy tendencies.

I love that you clean the bathrooms and take out the garbage in the name of love. 

I love that you say you want lots of little boys, but secretly, you want to have lots of princess girls.  hehe.

I love that you sit with me at the dinner table every night and listen to me, believe in me, and value my opinion.

I love that you pray with me and for me.

I love that you wear NFL apparel of my choosing!!

And most of all, I love that you love me.  You tell me I'm pretty even when I'm in my old pajamas, my makeup is off, my hair is crazy, I have morning breath and there are pimples all over my face. 


You are certainly more than I ever could dream of and more than I ever thought I deserved.  Today, and every day, I celebrate you :)