The unlikeliest.

Tears fell without warning. Unlovable.

When the world sets us aside and apart, we can wear the badge of unlovable, unwanted, unchosen. Alone. But then God whispers. He stirs, and He moves the pieces and people of our world until we hear! Immanuel! With us.

I stepped through familiar, comforting church doors thinking I had no part that night, searching to find a new place of belonging.

I joked with my son and the other children awaiting rehearsal.

I searched the angel tree.

Sure! I’ll fill in for the wise man. And when I agreed to put on another’s role, the whole night changed like the scenes of a play.

As I waited, one tender, insightful soul saw her own grown daughter’s journey in my eyes… and asked. I nodded— yes. Indeed, this was my journey, too. Hot tears spilled once more. And like the keeper illuminating the lighthouse of shore’s welcome, our church folded me in their arms. These sisters invited me to their Sunday small group, missions group, Bible study… with hugs and tears because they understand hard. They brainstormed every other group where they thought I’d find a home. They understand how life can shift. They just do love. No judgment of the unlikely. They cheer the unlikely.

Our cue came. I brushed the tears. I walked that slow walk of a wise man—determined to bring honor and praise to my King. My sweet son carrying that long train, glistening to the altar.

Someone else’s role. Handed to me.

The unlikeliest.

Just as He stepped in for me.

So I cried humble in the dim, kneeling at Jesus’ feet—choir singing praise above our heads. I cried. I prayed.

And I laid unlovable at His feet.

He who stepped in for me. Because He loves me. He shaped me. He sought me. He came for me. Immanuel. Right here.

It wasn’t until a few days had passed that I realized the tears were gone. The pain at certain thoughts, moments, memories—gone. I realized the pieces were made whole after such stages of grief. And in that moment,  the Holy Spirit whispered the sweetest of Scripture.

“Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.” 1 Peter 5:10 HCSB

Child of mine. I’ve taken your pain.

I laid unlovable at His feet.

And He picked up the pieces.

And created new.

Do you trust Him to love you that much? You? So personally? So profoundly?

He is faithful to “personally restore, establish, strengthen and support you…”.

This I know.

You are loved.