Meet Elder Bobby Woodward.
Where do I start? Let’s go back to the beginning.
I have a memory from when I was kid that still stays with me. I was a very selective child when it came to allowing others to give me affection. But for some reason, Bobby always felt safe to me. So, as a little girl, I would go to him in church and ask him to pick me up, and he did. He is also my first memory of rejection, for a day came when I asked and he said, “you are too big now.” What, too big???? Micah didn’t want to grow up yet. What is this process of growing up anyway? Since then, I have observed that Bobby was given a tender heart that reminds me of our Heavenly Father’s heart. There is something chill about his demeanor. Something peaceful. Something easy.
He has been with me throughout my childhood, adolescents and adulthood. He has been with me on the worship team in Branchville and then transitioned with me to the worship team at Rock Church. He has been a huge help in this area as a drummer and an acoustic guitar player. He has helped me in my real estate career, for he is a licensed home inspector and does handy man jobs all over town as well. He is very handy and knows how to fix almost anything and that is something in my business that is a godsend and invaluable.
He is also an amazing cook. I MEAN, AMAZING!! Now, if you didn’t know this, I am a lover of food and it’s one of my love languages to be cooked for. I am not picky, and that is a win for the cook. A few years ago, Bobby and his family came over for dinner. He said, “I have a plan and I want to come cook at your house.” To watch him cook was like a dance. He was happy, almost dancing around doing this and that to prepare the meal. It was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. I talk about this meal to this day. He has also made me a salmon dish, and before that point in my life, I didn’t like that type of fish. He said, “I will make you a believer.” Well, he did! And, I have ordered salmon many times since then and love it.
Well, to finish up, I think he would say his most rewarding role has been as a father. This man has had many encounters with Father God and it shows in his care for his children. He has been touched by the spirit of love, mercy, compassion and grace. He has a heart for people. He has a heart to see others feel an eternal hug from the Father above.
So, Elder Bobby, I honor you. Once again, so much of our lives have overlapped and it causes my heart to get a little tender to know I have had such a beautiful brother/friend/uncle standing in so many areas of my life. I know you have prayed and cried over different parts of my life journey. You loved Ben like a brother. You have loved me and have been watching over me since those hug me days. So, thank you for all the things I know you did for me and especially for all the ways I didn’t. You walk with an ease and a grace. You walk with a smile on your face. You walk with wisdom and a desire to see others connect with the Father above. You love nature. You love life. You love to laugh. You love hunting and fishing. You love to keep things simple and you love family with a spirit of delight. This all makes me happy to write. So, thank you. I am deeply grateful!
Your hugs are still appreciated, but even more so, it’s your prayers I covet the most.
The beginnings were good, but the best is yet to come, my friend. Stay expectant, for God has so much more in store. It’s a good day to be living. Keep loving. Keep cooking. Keep fathering. It matters. Your impact in my life may never be fully understood, but it’s been something that’s connected to an eternal realm within and I am who I am today because of it.
Until next time,
Stay Tender.
Connect of the Mender.
Be a Sender.
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