What is the "Real Thing"?

This week I got some hard news.  My dear Malagasy friend, Vero messaged me and told me she was 8 months pregnant and not married.  She explained that the man was both not a Christian and not planning to marry her.  I was shocked because she and I started Bibles studies together in Madagascar.  I could tell she was sorry for what happened so my first thought was, "what do I say?"

After praying about it I could only think to tell her that God loves her very much, that I still consider her my good friend and that I will be praying for her delivery. 

It was good to hear back from her as she explained that God has continued to take care of her even though she knows what happened was wrong.  Her family was upset, but they have forgiven her.  She has a Christian missionary doctor (whose son is actually here at RVA), and her baby boy Micah is healthy.

After seeking wise counsel on how to show my dear friend love I was encouraged to continue to remind her of God's love for her. 

Today, as I started my devotional God led me to the Vertical Church Band song, "Real Thing," about God's love.  The words were for me, but as I listened to the song and looked up the words I knew the song was for Vero too.

I hope you will take the time to read the words and listen to the song because it is for you too.