She is, indeed, just as awesome in person as you would imagine

I was so excited about writing this post and now feel oddly at a loss for words.

Last night I met some one who, unbeknown to her, has pointed me to Jesus time and again as I have struggled with loss this past year. She has made me laugh, made me cry (sometimes even those ugly type sobs), and God has used her writing countless times to turn my focus back to Himself.

Many of you know the story of Audry Caroline, as so eloquently written by Angie Smith. Angie is the wife of Todd Smith, lead singer in the Christian group Selah. I have enjoyed the beautiful music of Selah for several years. In January of this year I stumbled upon Angie's blog and became ardently entwined with the journey God was leading them through. In April of this year their sweet little Audry Caroline was born. She lived for 3 hours. The faith of this family is so solid, so real, so raw and authentic.

When I began reading Angie's blog nine months ago I could relate to alot of the emotion she described. Our experience with losing J.D. incited alot of the same feelings she expressed. I could not have guessed how pertinent Angie's words would continue to be. As we faced the heartbreak of miscarriage in May of this year one of the helpful components in my healing continued to be these amazing words, penned by one who is only human, but so obviously motivated by God.

Last night I accompanied three wonderful (and quite giddy) friends of mine to a Selah concert. We knew Angie would be there so hoped to be able to meet her. It took some plotting, planning, perhaps slightly hurting Todd's feelings (As I stood in line for his autograph I think my words were "um, we like you , but we are pretty much here to see your wife. Where is she?"), anxious looks from the security guards, and getting in touch with our inner stalker, but we not only met Angie, we hugged her, and talked with her. She is so genuine you guys. She is the Angie you see in her blog. Only tinier. We played peek-a-boo with Ellie too. :)

It was truly a blessed night. It started with a stop at Panera, perhaps too much caffeine, and a road trip. :)

We had so.much.fun!

Rachel, me, Kristy, and Rachel

I like to call this little image "the giddy crazy girls who sipped coffee during the entire road trip". :)

And of course, the highlight of the night for all of us (including Angie I'm sure...) :) Rachel, Kristy, Angie, me, and Rachel

Suffice it to say the four of us will not forget last night for a long long time. At least until we all get Alzheimer's, as Rachel so smartly verbalized.

It was truly an honor to be a part of this benefit event which raised money for the amazing work the Smith family is doing in the Congo. The Holy Spirit was so evident in the words, music, and voices of this talented group of people.

A very touching moment for me was when Todd's sister, Nicole Sponberg, went up to sing a few songs. Apparently she hasn't sung much at all in public since the loss of her ten week old baby boy Luke. Her voice is beautiful. She sang from some where deep inside and it seemed to be such an intimate moment between her and God that I almost felt like I shouldn't be listening in. After she sang "Resurrection" She began to speak. In a broken voice she said, "I can not think of any thing more unnatural than a mother losing her baby." That pretty much did me in. Thank the Lord for friends who had stocked up on Kleenex. Nicole is still grieving so deeply, but was able to stand up in front of a packed church and speak of the hope that compels her forward.

I looked up and through my tears and I saw this; what it is really all about.