I've watched Sheila pray for decades.
I've noticed her instinctive response (in exigent moments of moral imperative) and her natural reaction is unfailingly supernatural. She prays. The thing she does when nothing is pressing is the thing she does when she's in a pressure cooker.
She prays.
Sometimes you know she's praying. It's obvious.
Sometimes it's more implied. It's not apparent she's praying, yet it's palpable.
Sometimes it's like this picture suggests. Her manner reveals her heart, and what's inside shows outside. That's what happened last night, when just before midnight Sheila had her very first moment with Ruby Dawn. I captured the split-second, as a thousand prayers collapsed into a single moment that couldn't contain them, and Sheila first laid her eyes on her grand-daughter. She folded her hands.
What was in her heart I cannot tell you. It is too obvious to say and quite evidential without comment from me. The woman prays. Her family is not beyond her reach even when they're beyond her touch. Her prayers move the hand of God.
I've watched Sheila pray for decades.
Proverbs 31:10-11, 28 - When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. ... Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her.
"Her family is not beyond her reach even when they're beyond her touch."
love that line
thanks for the great reminder about the power of prayer
Posted by: Aaron | June 11, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Dear Mark, I have been enjoying your blog for about the past 8-10 mos. I look forward to it everyday. I am so inspired and encouraged by your photographs, your insights, your love for your family and the scriptures you share. What a beautiful post today. I have seen my own mother in just such a posture. Thank you for sharing - to God be the glory of it all.
Posted by: Lisa ~Hemet, CA | June 11, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Mark & Sheila, Congrats on Ruby Dawn She is BEAUTIFUL. Thanks so much for sharing this joy with all of us. Don't spoil her too much.
Posted by: Ron Zimmerman | June 11, 2009 at 08:37 PM
I saw this picture and tears came to my eyes. Somewhere deep inside I understand Sheila's heart and your words are so true, beyond my touch is not beyond my reach. Powerful, precious words. Thank you.
Posted by: Ginny | June 12, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Congradulations from India!! We are so happy for you, Sheila, Amber, Ryan, and of course, Ruby! We can't wait to meet her in person. She is born into an amazing family and an amazing legacy.
Posted by: Rob, Michelle, and the girls | June 13, 2009 at 05:35 AM