This week was a time of holiday fun at MSNY (our church in NYC) when Mary and Keith Hudson (Katy Perry’s parents) joined us for two special events.
On Tuesday night the women had our annual holiday extravaganza, complete with festive attire, food, and a wonderful word of hope and encouragement from Mary.
I shared one of my favorite life scripture verses, which happens to complement the Christmas season well. It is from Luke 1:45…
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has told her will be accomplished.
This is what Elizabeth told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she was pregnant and arrived at Elizabeth’s home.
I have held fast to this verse for many years while waiting for marriage, pregnancy, and other dreams to come to pass. I cross-stitched this verse over a period of 10 years, finishing it in time to present my Mom as a framed gift during my bridesmaid luncheon, eight years ago this week.
In 2007, enroute to the hospital for surgery a day after discovering the baby in my womb had died prematurely, filled with grief and sorrow, a car pulled in front of us at a stoplight with Luke 1:47 on the license plate. This verse reads, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” A fitting reminder from the same passage, one I knew was divinely sent that morning to lift my heavy heart.
This was a sweet week of celebration, being reminded that believing God for the promises He’s given, even when they tarry, keeps hope alive and blessings full.
A bit blurry, but the cross-stitched verse I presented to my Mom at my bridesmaid luncheon at Tavern on the Green. She’s the one who helped me believe for so many years.
Standing-room-only crowd of MSNY women!
Mary Hudson is a gifted encourager/teacher!
Mary and Keith ministered together to our leaders on Thurs. night
Vanessa, Amanda, Veronica, and Tondra, the team that made the women’s event so amazing, beautiful, delicious, and a JOY!
Lucy, Damaris, and Dee enjoying the post-party social time, the Puerto Rican sistahs, so classy!
My sweet friend Nicole, always the epitome of class!
Mary is not only a treasured friend, but also a great mentor and inspiration as a wife, mom, and gifted teacher.
