This past weekend, family and friends joined us in Blacksburg, as Cody was ordained into ministry. I'm sure some of you may be thinking, "what is that?" and to be honest, that thought crossed my mind a time or two. But, as the weeks led up to the service, I began to understand what it truly meant. To be ordained literally means to 'set apart', it's very similar to sanctification. Another aspect I thought was interesting is that it wasn't just contrived by the modern day church as some self-glorifying act. It originated in scripture, as I Timothy 4 depicts, the elders "laying hands on Timothy".
I've never seen or even been a part of an ordination service, never mind being the center of one! So, this past weekend was quite a humbling surprise. Never in my life have I had the opportunity of having hundreds of people join together and pray over me and my husband, our marriage, our ministry and glorifying God for our presence in their lives. I don't say this to brag or to even bring attention to ourselves, but I say it to bring attention to our Lord, Jesus Christ. In the days before the ordination, my time with the Lord had an overwhelming theme of grace and sacrifice. I didn't think much of it since, well, it was a devotional and that's kinda the point! But, on Sunday morning, as our church body, family and friends gathered around us and began to pray. I couldn't help but be reminded of God's grace for our lives. I was reminded of a girl who had no clue in high school, a girl who haphazardly chose University of Miami to attend and floundered. A girl who really never lived an abundant life and made so many horrible mistakes. But, a girl who then found the only real answer in life and surrendered with reckless abandon.
The feeling of gratitude cannot be explained unless you've been saved by Christ and realized your desperate need for His grace and salvation in your life. This feeling beats any high, any buzz and any adrenaline rush you'll ever know....sadly, I know! It's like your heart is so full of peace and joy and contentment that in that very moment it might just burst and you'd be 100% ok with that!
One other aspect of this weekend that really struck me was this past Saturday. Unbeknownest to me, Cody had to go through this 'interview' process and basically be asked any and all questions about his faith, theology and doctrine. I'll be honest, I was a bit frightened for him! THEN, he drops the bomb on me that "oh, and by the way, they asked that you come in for part of it, too." By the end of that sentence I think sweat beads had already started forming! I felt like I needed to get ready for the lion's den or something! Well, Saturday came and my mom's (my mom and mother.in.law) took me shopping...I was so grateful...I needed something to take my mind off the constant wondering of questions they were going to be asking! I would be lying if I said I hadn't looked up a few scriptures that morning! haha But, to my (happy) surprise, the interview ended up being a praise session for God! I think the most difficult question was "Should Northstar ordain Cody and why?" haha! just kidding! But, it was so incredible to see how God has used us in other people's lives. It honestly hasn't been ANY of our doing, He just chose to use a broken couple, trying to figure out this life together (which we wickedly fail at daily) and occasionally He has to kick us in the tail to motivate us.
This past weekend was truly a once and a lifetime experience, I mean a boy can only get ordained once! Aside from our wedding week/day, this has been one of those weekends where it was just perfect and I'll never forget it! My parents, his parents and grandparents came into town, friends who love and have been a part of our lives came to celebrate God's glory and be there with us, not to mention the weather was gorgeous {thanks God for that special touch ;) }
Words truly can not express how grateful I am for those who drove hours upon hours to be there just for a few hours, for my parents who flew in just for 3 days and for everyone at Northstar who chose to be a part of the ordination service. My heart is so grateful and glad that I have been chosen to live this life with you and seek after the Lord together!
Humbly,
LaRae
