Tiffany is a poet. Every once in a great while, she stands up at church and reads something she wrote. They are far and away my favorite Sundays. But it only happens once or twice a year.
I knew about Tiffany’s poetry long before we met. One of my first Sundays at church, she stood up, quietly read some beautiful words while looking at the floor, and then promptly went back to her seat as the rest of the congregation cried. I wanted to be friends with her, but was reeeeeal awkward about it. I didn’t have many friends at church and I always complained that it was like dating. And I’m not good at asking people out. Anyway…
We were at a church function, a picnic or something, two years ago. I walked over to her and stared at my feet. I mumbled, “I really like how you write.” Great opening line, right? But we were talking and I guess that’s what’s important.
Over the last two years, Tiffany and I have bonded over Jack Daniels ice cream, sarcasm, discussions about not fitting in, and a mutual love of the written word. She is so unbelievably inspiring: she works full-time, goes to school full-time, and most recently: she’s growing another human. What can’t she do?
I trust her more than most people. She respects that your business is your business and I know she won’t share my secrets if I give them to her. She prays for me, she laughs with me and she makes fun of me. (I don’t know why I’m writing in threes today…just go with it.)
Tiffany is easily the most dedicated wife I know. She has taught me how to respect my husband, no matter what. She leads by example: making her husband, Billy, a priority and their marriage as Christ-like as possible. Just last week when I dropped off this disc of images, she handed me a book: The Power of a Praying Wife. As cheesy as it sounds, I was complaining about marriage and this was her response. It was perfect and exactly what I needed.
I cannot wait to meet this little bundle. Tiffany, Billy and Bri…you guys are just the cutest. This little girl has it good; I know you guys can’t wait to shower her with your love!
Oh, I can’t not share some of Tiff’s stuff. You’re welcome:
Dust from the ground
to a sinner at best
casting him my anxieties
I assure you I am stressed
I’ve heard of this thing,
this thing called 2nd chances
imagine,
thoughts and dreams of well-developed advances
But,
my heart is HEAVY
so heavy I can’t move
life without affirmation
Why do “I” have something to prove
through your eyes you see perseverance
But my reality,
is uncertainty
cause every time I cry for help no one answers me
people respect your strengths
but connect you with your flaws
This cold world we live in
what an enabling clause
far from any privilege
victim to this complexion
I’m crying out
God
GOD I need direction
In this body I feel rejection
If I’m your child where’s my protection
I’ll stop at nothing for your affection
condemned, cursed, damned
I just wanna be free
Cleansed, regenerated, purified
God can you hear me
“This is the way, walk in it,”
Am I convinced that’s You
Sanctify them in the truth;
it’s you I want to pursue
