Fourteen years ago today a miracle entered the world.

Today is Jessica’s 14th birthday. I have had many divine appointments in my life. Going on the first date with my wife. My first meeting with Chuck. The birth of my other three daughters. My first breakfast meeting with Pastor Barry.

My divine appointment with Jessica happened when she was two weeks old. She had been placed with a different foster family at first. When she was moved to our home, she was sick. Her eyes were full of drainage and she had a sinus infection. Julie got her right in to see a doctor. We have been caring for her every day since.

It was a real challenge to get her permanently added to our family. Frankly, her story is one surrounded by the prayers of hundreds of people. It is no accident that she is with us today. If ever there was proof of a God in heaven, every breath that Jessica takes is proof of Him.

Now she stands before me on the doorsteps of adulthood. Words cannot express the level of pride I have for her. She is a woman of very few words but many actions.

Jessica “is” and “does” a lot of things. What makes me the most proud of her is her love for Christ. Her faith is noticed by all those around her. Even to the point that she has been asked to be a spiritual leader to her track team. Something she has done gladly and with dedication.

God has used her life to grow me spiritually in these past fourteen years. I’ve learned that my own faith has plenty of weak spots. I’ve learned that God is involved no matter what I see around me. I’ve learned how to pray for someone who is struggling to verbalize themselves. I’ve learned how to enjoy quiet moments with someone, and I’ve learned what it means to love unconditionally.

Before I became a parent I was convinced it was my my responsibility to raise my children in a Godly way. I had no idea how much being a father would grow me up spiritually.

I am truly blessed by God to be Jessica’s father.