I have written in the past about where the kids' nicknames originated, but never where their names came from- particularly Julia's.
When I was pregnant the second time, we found out after Christmas that we were having a girl. We had until May to choose a name. We had a long list we liked, but never could narrow it down and commit to just one. I kept saying I just want someone to tell me what her name is, I don't want to pick the wrong one. At the top of our lists was the name 'Julia'. And Carter told us a few times that his sister's name was 'Julia'. That name carried such special meaning to us...
Before Carter was even born I was a part of a weekly women's Bible study in a friends' home with women of all ages. It was in that group that I was blessed to meet Julia Middleton. Julia is one of those people whose presence illuminates a room- literally. Her laughter, compassion, love, and spirit are palpable. You can't help but be drawn to her and want to know what makes her tick. She is glowing with the love of Christ from every part of her being. Her Jesus water is splashing on everyone around her, all the time. I was actually visiting my mom in CA when Billy met Julia for the first time at a birthday party. He called me later that night and said, "I met the most amazing person tonight. Before I even knew her name I knew this was your friend Julia."
In 2000, at the age of 32, Julia went to the doctor with shortness of breath, expecting antibiotics. She was instead given the diagnosis of stage IV thymoma cancer in her chest. She was the picture of life and health and was told this intruder had taken over her body. She left that appointment with the obvious shock and sadness at the overwhelming battle ahead. Shortly after she heard a sermon about Abraham and God's request that he sacrifice his own son. Abraham had to fully rely on and trust God and step out the next morning in obedience, knowing he could not do this himself. This was how she had to face cancer. The Bible gives us many heroes of the faith...Noah, Stephen, Peter, Job....and God was with them always.
She had an epiphany while meditating on scripture...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition; with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6 & 1Thess 5:16-18)
She realized that cancer was God's will for her life. It was her mission. She concluded, "I was excited about the prospect that my serious case of cancer was the way I was going to reach out and share the gospel. It was my course, my path. I was joyful and gave thanks!" And from that moment on she never turned back. She lived out every part of this verse- finding joy in everything, always giving thanks, relying on prayer, and fully accepting God's will for her life.
Julia had always wanted to witness to others in a big way, but (like so many Christians) never had. Now, she would do it. These verses became her life verses. She said she learned to trust in a God that was good and not in the goodness of life. And from the moment she made that decision Julia embraced her life in unimaginable ways. She lived out God's calling for her life. She fought her cancer with such grace and determination that what was initially a death sentence, gave her 7 years of amazing LIFE! She touched countless hearts and brought many to a real relationship with Christ in their own lives. Hallelujah! What a praise!
Sadly, for those of us who loved her, Julia's cancer took her life in September 2007 when she went home to be with Jesus- seven years after her original diagnosis. She endured so much with chemo, radiation, surgeries, infections, etc. But she lived so fully. Her Homecoming Celebration was one of the most powerful gatherings I have ever attended. Every person in that room felt intimately connected to Julia. She had the amazing power to give a piece of herself to everyone she met. But most importantly every person in that room felt closer to God because of Julia.
That is a life well-lived.
So many people wonder what God's purpose is for their life and what they should be doing. Julia knew with every fiber of her being what she was here to do and she did it, with gusto. I encourage you to visit the website her dear husband Mid set up with a collection of her speech notes, photographs, and her life celebration. I pray you see God's perfect work in her life through these memories and smile with the angels as you find out what a drive-by planting is :) Her sweet spirit continues to live in the hearts of so many and through these words, pictures, and memories.
And now our own Julia has a special angel watching over her helping to guide her through cancer. Little did we know when we chose that name that they would ever share this journey. Julia, thank you for your love, your example, your witness, and your inspiration. You have touched our lives and hearts forever and will always be a part of us.
...to be continued...
1 comment:
BEAUTIFUL!
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