I’ve had many different kinds of friendships in my life. Some temporary, some that will always be there, some heartbreaking, and some that have brought the most joy to my life. Before being married, I never knew the importance of surrounding myself with friends who are Christian women who spur me on in areas I am not even able to see. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
When I finally had the blessing of joining a community group, Stephanie Aljadeff was one of these Hebrews 10:24-25 women. She is the spitting image of what community should be about. She has faced many obstacles in life, and by the strength of the Holy Spirit in her and encouragement from those around her, she has come out of them with amazing strength. She didn’t just trudge through the hard times-taking it day by day- but she truly thrived in those periods of life, becoming a stronger and more outward-looking person. And there’s no better example of that than her and Lior’s decision to adopt sweet little Judah.
Judah’s story is one I love to share and is a sweet testimony to the sanctity of life. “Before I formed you in the womb i knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Judah’s biological mom was given the strength to carry Judah, knowing he would not be her own, so she could bless him with parents that have the resources to raise him. There is no greater love than our Heavenly Father’s, but the closest we get to see and taste is the love we get to share with our children. I love getting to watch how Stephanie and Lior parent Judah, even at such a young age (many notes have been taken and put into action on my own parenting skills).
Stephanie and Lior, you are such wonderful example of how God can use a couple to spread His love to others! You are so loyal and encouraging, and parent with the knowledge that we are raising our next generation- and the best thing we can do is to prepare them for the most important thing in life: sharing the great news of the Gospel. I can’t wait to be part of all these amazing stages in both Judah’s and your lives!