A few weeks ago my mom did something really brave. She has been in the process of writing a book for the last 2+ years. Between 7 kids (plus our Ian Korean💙), homeschooling, everyday life, starting a ministry, and everything else she does, it has been a slow and hard journey. There have been countless discouragements and setbacks. Many many tears. Yet through it all she never quit. She told me one night, "I know this is what God has asked me to do. It doesn't make sense and it really scares me. I don't think I'm good enough and I don't even know if anyone will read it, but I'm going to write this book and just be obedient. I trust God and that is enough." It's the slow, steady faithfulness and obedient heart that brought us to today. She submitted the first 15 or so pages to a book contest in North Carolina. Again, a huge leap of faith. There was a laundry list of reasons why she didn't want to do it but she dug in, pushed past it and submitted it just before the deadline. Today they announced the winner. Out of all the applicants, Rhonda René Smith WON THE ENTIRE CONTEST. (She's got the trophy to prove it!) I can't even begin to say how proud I am. She inspires me so much to never ever stop being obedient to what Jesus asks of us, even if it's hard and even if it doesn't quite make sense. She reminds me that whether you're 22 or 49, it is never too late to chase hard after your dreams and pursue something you love and are passionate about. She teaches me through simple words how important it is to say things that matter. To understand the gravity of the impact we can have on those around us and to cherish the moments that leave us so completely dependent on Jesus. She tells me to do the hard things and, heck, do the crazy things too, like go to Cambodia and Madagascar and Slovakia! She reminds me to never ever let fear get in the way of being obedient to what God has asked of you. "We cannot let fear win", she says. So have courage. Be kind. Do it even though you're afraid. I am proud and thankful and humbled. She's a dang good mom. She's MY mom. And she inspires me.