Untouchable

Life and Love. The name that was given to Eva. Eva Love. From the moment this girl was born, she embraced and exemplified both names. She awoke with an eagerness for the day, looking for things to do, people to see and experiences to have. And people to love. When I was with Eva, I found myself wanting to observe her every moment as she ran towards people, seeking out someone to cuddle and hug and giggle with. Everything was exciting for her. And every person was meant to be loved. By her.

Including, and maybe foremost, her best friend, Braylin. These two. They played together, laughed together, fought together, and missed each other terribly when they had to say goodbye, even if leaving just for vacation.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Eva this week. Amazed by her friendships. It’s been four years since Eva’s accident and Braylin and Eva remain best friends. Even though everything has changed. Well, it’s changed but not according to these girls. Eva responds, calms and brightens when Bray arrives. And Bray hugs Eva, talks with her, gives her facials, and lies next to her until it’s time to go home. It’s as if nothing has changed.

What I’ve been thinking about this week is that very phrase, “As if nothing has changed.” Eva has suffered a severe brain injury, but it’s as though the essence of who she is, the part of her that is exclusively her, the part that God used his own hands to form - that life and love - was protected in her fall. The fearfully and wonderfully made core of who she is has remained intact and is fully functioning.

This is Grace. Grace hadn’t met Eva until this past Christmas. When their friendship took off. Grace eagerly waits for the days when she can spend time with Eva and visa versa. Grace didn’t know Eva before her accident and yet this friendship has formed and it promises to be a friendship of life and love.

And then there’s her friends at school. Some knew Eva before; many didn’t. And yet, all their names are on a waiting list to be the one to get to spend time with her while the others head to recess. And they make sure that she’ll be joining them on field trips.

Eva can’t talk, hug or race after people…right now. And yet none of that seems to make a bit of difference in who Eva is. Eva, who continues to exude Life and Love.

The more I think about this, the more stunned I am. Which has led me to think about the trauma in my life and in the lives of others. Is it possible that in the midst of our painful experiences, whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual or psychological, that God protects the core of who we are, of who he made us to be? And is that core possibly what could be described as the part of us that reflects “the image of God?”

If that is true then that precious part of us cannot be damaged or destroyed. Because it was created and designed by God to reflect God and, therefore, remains in us no matter our circumstances. It is untouchable!! And I find that astounding and overwhelming. It puts me in a place of awe of God that simply moves me. Confirming that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

There's nothing nor anyone that can damage or destroy the image of God in Eva - His image of life and love.

And the same is true for me. For everyone. There is nothing nor anyone that can damage or destroy God's image in us. It is untouchable! And that is simply breath-takingly amazing.