The Conviction of Krissy...

She is my niece. My sister's only remaining child. Many years ago my other niece (Krissy's sister) was tragically killed in a car accident. Krissy is my only niece. I hardly know her. I was so upset with my sister years ago for some decisions she made and I was hurt and felt rejected...so I avoided her. Krissy's mother seemed angry with me and with God so I simply took the easy way and avoided her. Funny how perceptions are so quickly made. I perceived anger so I avoided instead of being honest and open. Perceptions are rarely 100% correct in my life. God is constantly having to remind me to be honest. Apparently there was no anger but I hid my heart anyway instead of being honest...hard lesson.

After the accident a divorce followed and we all felt that life had really slammed my only remaining niece. Soon after high school graduation Krissy moved to California and I completely lost track of her. There was a sadness in my heart when I heard that she fled to California a sadness that I had really blown an opportunity to be an Uncle....a loving Uncle.

God had other plans. God followed Krissy to California. God encountered her in a powerful way. Krissy returned to Washington for Christmas and there is a new peace in her eyes. She loves the Lord and it pains me. It pains me because I see my own deadness in my own walk with God. Sure I realize she is young both in age and in the Lord but the love for the Lord, the passion for His kingdom, her devotion, her love for Him...wow...

Krissy and I didn't talk much, we didn't exchange gifts...but she gave me something that I desperately needed...conviction...that my walk with God can change...and should change...God reached down and touched my niece...took a broken heart and gave her hope and healing...

Tonight I lift up my 46 year old heart...and I'm asking God to change it. Just like He changed Krissy. That is my prayer.

That is my hope...

The conviction of Krissy.