A Friend in Christ: Celebrating Cecil Jackman's Birthday
A Friend's Embrace: The Heartfelt Journey of Cecil Jackman's Friendship
On this special day, I want to take a moment to celebrate a remarkable individual who has touched my life in ways beyond measure. Cecil Jackman, a friend who entered my life many years ago, has been a steadfast presence, a beacon of light in moments of darkness, and a testament to the power of friendship and faith.
Colossians 1:13 (NIV) ¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
Cecil and I share a common past, but our connection transcends the boundaries of time and distance. Despite the physical miles that separate us, his friendship has been a constant source of support and comfort. We may have only had one video call many years ago, but through the marvel of technology, we've remained in touch through Facebook Messenger.
The most striking aspect of Cecil's friendship is his unwavering care and compassion. In my life, I've often struggled to maintain relationships with those who have shown me love and care. My path has led me to moments of isolation and the need for a friend, and that friend has consistently been Cecil Jackman. He's not just a friend; he's a father and a loving husband to an incredible, godly woman.
Cecil embodies hope. He stands as a reminder that if I continue to obey God and remain faithful to Him, I too can hope for a future with a woman who shares my love for God and loves me unconditionally. Cecil's presence in my life is a testament to the grace of God, operating in the most unexpected ways.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) ¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In my friendship with Cecil, I've bared my soul, confessing some of the worst aspects of my past. Yet, Cecil has never been deterred. Instead, he has showered me with kindness and grace, mirroring the boundless love and forgiveness that Jesus has shown me.
Romans 5:8 (NIV) ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Sometimes, all someone has to do is be a friend and love someone else, to be there in their time of need. Humans tend to judge and form conclusions about someone else with incomplete information. However, as 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) ⁷But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I am thankful that Cecil sees more than just the appearance that I show but that he saw that deep in my heart I truly love Jesus and truly desire change.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) ²⁶I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
When Cecil sends me his prayers through voice notes in Facebook Messenger, it feels like I have a friend who holds me and wraps me, and I feel warm and loved. I feel like I have a father figure who cares about me.
Cecil's friendship reminds me that there is hope in Christ, even in moments when I question my own salvation. His non-judgmental, loving approach to my shortcomings mirrors the grace of God, who welcomes us back with open arms and abundant love.
2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) ¹³if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Cecil, your friendship has been a blessing in my life, and I celebrate you on this special day. May God's abundant love and blessings continue to shine upon you, just as you've been a source of light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know you.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) ²⁴“The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; ²⁶the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
As you embark on another year, I leave you with Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." May your life continue to be a testament to this truth.
Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) ¹⁷A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity
Happy Birthday, dear friend Cecil! 🎉🎂 May your days be filled with joy, love, and God's boundless grace.
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