Consider the Lily
As many of you know, the eldest of my three daughters, Lily, has been endowed with a bonus chromosome that bears the unfortunate title of Down syndrome; such a misnomer because there is NOTHING “down” about Lily. Yesterday, her twelve year old sister complained about a rough day of seventh grade drama and Lily said to her, “Pray about it and deal with it!” And that is how she approaches life, giving her problems to God and trusting Him to take care of her.
On a recent flight, Lily and I landed in Dallas at the same time our connecting flight was boarding…four terminals away. We were seated in the back of the plane and I started to get that bad hostage situation feeling. I turned to her and said, “Lily, this doesn’t look good.” She looked at me resolutely and responded, “We’re here and we’re happy.” I think I could make a fortune if I turned that fabulous phrase into a T-shirt. (And yes, we made our flight!)
She lives the verses she was named after: “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:27-28
But even Lily had one dreaded fear in life: fireworks.
Read how she overcame it in this beautiful essay by my eloquent friend, Lynn Morrissey, author of Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy Through Written Prayer. Lynn submitted this for a writing contest by Faith Radio and would welcome your vote. This biased mama thinks it’s a winner!
Where is anxiety creeping into your life? I invite you to consider this Lily…
5 thoughts on “Consider the Lily”
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Mary Suzanne,
You are such an incredible mother, and Lily is one incredible daughter! I think you should write a book of Lilisms that would be a bestseller. She exudes such maturity and insight and just one heck of a good attitude. It has been a joy for me to witness life with Lily, and to see how beautifully she enhances your family and the lives of all she meets. And I’m going to remember her wisdom the next time I am deep-breathing on an airplane: I’m here, and I’m happy. Amen! And believe me, Mary Suzanne, I was certainly happy to share about Lily and the lessons she has continually taught me. Thank you so much for your very generous words here, and for your kind offer to share my story. I pray your readers will be blessed by the Crockett daughter who has immeasurably blessed me. As they consider Lily, it’s my hope that, moreover, they will consider the God who created her, and that they will try to emulate her godly example and the mother who has raised her, arrayed in His beauty and crowned with His grace.
Love
Lynn
Delightful in every way! Lily learned from mom but out if her mouth it has so much more punch because her fist is smaller! What a girl! I didn’t know how to vote for your friend.
Lily is a precious gift from God!!
I am blessed beyond all measure to have u in my life ms Lily … Ur mom is the greatest and your family has cheered me on to my calling. Your grandma, Marie, is an example to her family and to me…well she and I are linked in the spirit as well. How BLESSED U R THAT U HAVE BEEN Blessed with GODLY UP SPIRIT SYNDROME!!!!! I want more of that!!!! Love u always. Ur Tt from Peru!
i love this post! Thanks for sharing your daughters sweet words of encouragement!