Ariella Grace = Our Lioness of God's Grace
Letter By Marissa Rose Aulick
Ariella Grace = Our Lioness of God's Grace
Dear Ariella,
Your life has been a picture of God's grace from the very start. After experiencing great loss prior to your conception, learning that you were growing inside was a picture of God's grace. It's said that light shines all the brighter in darkness, and so your growing life was like light in our recent dark times. In fact, I recall greeting you each morning for the first two years of your life with, "Good morning, Sonshine," to express how much I felt you were a picture of God's light breaking forth after hardships.
Now, in your 8th year, you continue to be a picture of God's goodness to us. I still recall your very first Disney movie obsession, Beauty and the Beast. My prayer for you back then was that you would be kind, fearless, and brave like Belle, unafraid to stand out from the crowd, unwavering in your convictions no matter the temptation others may fall for (recall Gaston), yet kind and gracious when it counts the most.
Ariella, the day you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior at 5 years-old was one of the happiest days of my life. Oh, how we prayed that you would have a heart drawn towards God at a young age. Father answered that prayer. Your ability to retain truth in your mind and express it from your heart is amazing. For sure, you've had your struggles with sin, but even at a young age you've learned what it means to repent and say no to temptation when they arise again. Wow! Your dad and I spoke truth to you in those times, gave you grace, and that grace and truth is transforming you year by year with the help of Holy Spirit within.
Parenting you has been a joy. We couldn't ask for a better first child to lead the way for your younger siblings. We've spoken over you that you are a leader from the start. Besides, with a names that mean Lioness of God's Grace, you were born to lead. Still, we've also desired to impress upon you that leadership is not merely bossing around or even always telling others what they should do. The greatest leader of all, Jesus, led by example and served others in humility. Your Daddy is a great leader in those ways as well. (Follow him as he follows Christ.)
Ari, you're creative, artistic, caring, kind, with a budding scientific mind. Know that you are so incredibly loved for who God created you to be. The thought of seeing God’s plans for your life unfold is exciting! He’s placed passions in your heart and talents in your hands that will bring goodness to those you were fashioned to serve—even your own family one day! 👰♀️ + ?🤵♂️?
Remember, to seek God’s ways first and all other things will fall into their rightful place. (Matthew 6:33) Delight in Him and you’ll see the desires of your heart come to life. (Psalm 37:4) “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” before God and man and—forget about the sky’s the limit—HEAVEN will be your limit! (Micah 6:8) May His Kingdom come and His will be done in your life, as He’s planned before your first breath. (Matthew 6:10)
We love you, brave and sweet, Ariella. We thank God for gracing us with you, our Lioness of God’s Grace.
What being your Mom has taught me:
The kindness of God leads.
Grace leads.
Trust God’s timing.