Today I’ve thought about for the last 18 days. And off and on for the last year. What is today? My dear friend’s birthday! Why does that matter? Because the day she was born is worthy of celebration! Isn’t everyone’s?? Yes. But her’s is special. You see, my friend is a beautiful soul who touched the lives of HUNDREDS of people! And anyone who knows her, knows that “Birthday month” is a real thing. Because she’s touched the lives of so many, we will always celebrate birthday month (today especially!) Let me introduce you to my friend, the “famous” Superhero: Marissa Parks!
She is sassy, she’s beautiful, funny, outgoing, a diva, genuine, REAL, and… she’s in heaven starring in God’s biggest musical (dancing and performing eternity away)! She’s one in a million. She’s was the steady friend who you could go weeks or even months without communication. But with one call or get together and nothing’s changed! She celebrated my every accomplishment! She gave the greatest hugs. She loved me for me. And she was the definition of a fighter and female super hero! Seriously, the girl was unstoppable!
The biggest Auburn fan on the planet was at the National Championship five years ago. She had a seizure and walked into a world that I am way too familiar with now. She battled brain cancer for a year (and beat it) before God called her home to be His dancing star! But she NEVER let anything stop her from dreaming and loving herself the way a woman should! She valued the life God gave her, despite any struggle. She never let me feel down about myself and brought out the diva in us all!
Every year since she’s passed she has looked out for me, particularly on her birthday! And she’s always brought the sunshine! Today is no exception! I worked a day shift yesterday with little ones with the same courage as her.
SIDE NOTE: Most don’t know, but my decision to finally apply to Aflac was from her encouragement. We’d just found out that she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. And I had dreamed of working at Aflac Cancer Center for years. She and I had a conversation on a sunny day in March, on a hike up to the top of Stone Mountain. Seriously, the girl hiked Stone Mountain while battling cancer. Told you: Super hero! We talked about how short our actual lives are and how important it is to pursue our passions, because it can all change so quickly. She told me to apply because “Id be great at it!” 5 years later and I can’t thank her enough for that conversation.
After yesterday’s shift, I was beat. I woke up this morning to discover Griff and I both slept until 10:30 (is this real life?!??). Girlfriend knew I needed it! We woke up to the most awesome weather. So, I explained to Griff that it’s “Rissa Day.” “Today we are going to be courageous and be superheroes just like she was!”
By definition (well my own definition), a super hero is one with courage, who believes in him/herself and pursues their calling despite obstacle or enemy. And SHE DID! Today Griff suited up in his super hero cape (in her honor) and I in mine (a bed sheet). We flew around the house making all kinds of flying noises! We ate a super hero breakfast with Avengers Go-Gurt and oatmeal! We then took our super hero party outside. I was talking to Griff on our ride in the Bat Mobile (His radio flyer wagon) telling him how important it is that we follow our dreams and have the courage to pursue what God asks us to. Being courageous means stepping outside of your comfort zone to help others and to do the right thing. Then it was my turn to again put on my cape. I could feel her diva spirit nudging me…. One of our neighbors was taking down his beautiful privacy fence from around their pool and back patio. It was literally coming down in nailed sections. Perfect for a headboard, bench, table top, or bed frames. There she was. Again, looking out for me on the 18th of February.. “Candace go ask him if you can have it.” I waved and we made small talk. I finally worked up some super hero/diva courage and asked! He said YES!!!!!
God calls us to take on different callings in our lives at just the right time. This year, “House of Stain” has been mine. I’ve prayed over how to use what I enjoy to serve Him through it. And this month, an opportunity presented to use restoration to serve others. How so? I’m on a mission to make furniture (especially beds and tables) for people and families who do not have that luxury. Some people don’t realize that furniture is indeed a luxury. No matter the color or type of wood or frame: to have a bed to lay your children on, to sleep on something other than the floor, Or even further.. To have a table to eat family meals on. Those are things LOTS of people don’t have. So while I work on some pieces for my own home, I’m using materials donated (or that we have that we aren’t using),to give other people a chance to have somewhere to comfortably lay their head or a place to share a meal.
This “House of Stain” adventure is simply a calling from God to use what I love and enjoy to find a way to reach out and serve other people. And right when I was stressing over materials to make all of that happen: there was God to provide. And I wouldn’t have seen it without the super hero memory of my most “famous” friend! So here’s to you friend! Thank you for giving me a chance to touch other people’s lives as intimately as you’ve touched mine! So I challenge you all today, to put on your super hero cape. Love on somebody. Uplift them. Live a life with no regret and give someone the opportunity to have a better life BECAUSE you had the courage to help them!
house of stain 