Taking That First Step

Sep 20, 2016

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” said Martin Luther King, Jr.

My mind wanders back to times when I have taken that first step.

Knees knocking. Stomach churning. Heart pounding moments.

Today, it seems like a dream that I somehow found the strength to step forward

But deep inside I know that it wasn’t something I found

No, it was strength that I was given.

Right then.

Not years before.

No, in that very moment.

I’m not sure why but that walk in the airport that day

to board the plane to Russia

is still vivid in my mind.

Behind me were  my parents, my sister and brothers, friends and life as I had known it.

Ahead of me was a little six month old baby girl

in Russia.

All I had seen was a tiny photo of her

and my heart was drawn halfway across the ocean to her  in ways I could  never explain.

My longing to adopt her pulled me

further out of my comfort zone

and closer to  that staircase I could not see.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 | NIV

 

And as I stepped onto the plane and found my seat that night

with more questions than answers

my own brokenness was clearer than ever.

I knew that I was weak and was walking into a dark unknown.

But I also knew that with God all things are possible

and I had sensed His call to adopt this little baby.

I had no idea how it would all turn out

or if I would even get to complete the adoption.

But God knew and my trust was in Him.

Yes, those first steps of faith led to more and more and more as I’ve climbed that staircase

and have  mothered  her this one who is now twenty three.

Easy? No.

But rewarding? Absolutely yes.

Step by step He has enabled me to climb that staircase

always depending upon Him.

We don’t need to see that whole staircase, do we?

Matter of fact, if we did, it might totally overwhelm us.

Just one step at a time.

He gives faith to those who bring Him their brokenness and pain.

Every time.

The story of my Christmas journey to adopt my daughter is now available on Kindle.

Check it out at

https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Christmas-Journey-Sharon-Brani-ebook/dp/B01LZ6AUWS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474407272&sr=8-2&keywords=the+unforgettable+christmas+journey#nav-subnav

Let’s continue to climb that staircase together

always depending upon Him to provide all that we need.

 

russian-winter-santa-claus

2 Comments

  1. Hulda

    Congrats on your e-book Sharon! Look forward to reading what seems like an amazing story.

    Reply
    • SharonBrani

      Thank you, Hulda. Yes, The Unforgettable Christmas Journey is now on Kindle as well as print copies. In a few days I should launch ‘Always Remember” in print and Kindle. Let me know if you get to read either. I cherish your friendship.

      Reply

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