Encouraged

I have recently been very encouraged by strangers...people I have never met who are willing to send me a note on Facebook, tell me their stories, and even share encouraging words. It absolutely amazes me. Most of you know that I lost my mama to breast cancer in January of 2009. Some of you know that Trevor and I honored her and made her presence known at our wedding this month by leaving an empty chair for the "Mother of the Bride." We also had each person who came down the aisle put a yellow long stem rose on her chair during the ceremony, ending with Trevor and I doing the same. I truly felt like my mama was a part of the most important day of our lives and her life and testimony was honored. What I didn't realize is how many people were watching and were also touched by her presence being there in such a sweet and subtle way.

Right after the wedding when pics began getting posted during our honeymoon, I had a few people specifically comment on the picture of my mama's chair from our ceremony. I even had a teacher of mine from high school add the picture to their own Facebook. As I got our professional photos back, I immediately starting making albums on Facebook because I knew people were anxiously waiting to see them! Within one day, I received two messages from complete strangers about our wedding. The interesting thing was that both of these individuals were not just talking about our wedding in general, but specifically about honoring my mom and her chair there. I received these two messages from people I have never seen, never spoken to, and never even Facebook stalked (lol!)....

"Hi Allison -
I am Tim Williams cousin - I was looking at yur wedding photos from Lauren's post - all the pics are lovely but i borrowed the one of the roses for your mum and posted it on my wall. It is by far the most beautiful picture I have ever seen.
My mom passed away last year and I am getting married (2nd time) next year so she will miss it. Your picture was so very lovely!!!
I hope you don't mind
Lesle"

"Hi,

I know you don't know me but I am friends with a girl that was in your wedding (Amanda) so I was able to glance at some of your wedding photos.

I just wanted to say that I have also lost my mother at a young age and never in a million years would I have thought that on my wedding day she wouldn't physically be there. I saw the pictures of your mother's "presence" and it just touched my heart. What a sweet way to incorporate her into your wedding!

Congrats to you ....and thanks for the simple touch to my heart!
Meagan"

I was so encouraged after reading these two notes... not because there are people that loved our wedding ideas, but because this is my mama's legacy living on. She was constantly serving and encouraging people and to know that her presence at our wedding is continuing to do so, brings so much JOY to my heart. I am so thankful to Jesus. I am thankful for the time He gave my mom and I together, for the time He will give us in eternity some day, and for the people He has sent my way with such sweet encouraging words about letting a legacy live on! :)