Points of Light

Christyn

Dec 3

It feels awkward discussing one's own honors or awards. Every time I mention an accolade an image pops up in my mind of my kids jumping up and down saying, "Hey, look at me! See what gold star I got today!!!" I am under the thought process humanity should feel a little uncomfortable glorifying their own success. I can brag about the merits of another with full-force, but when it comes to myself, it seems a tad distasteful.

It is not that I am deflecting praise or trying to be modest of our accomplishments. This post is most certainly not a humble-brag. I fully admit I pour myself into our charity, into our children, into these families. My life's calling is attempting to eradicate the suffering pancreatitis causes so many innocent victims on their physical, mental and spiritual health. I will continue to utilize the hard-earned lessons we have learned on this journey to improve the lives of others going through the same.

Despite my concentrated efforts though, the President George H. W. Bush Points of Light award was not really about me. It was not about Rebecca. And it was not even about the children of our charity. It was all about God. But isn't everything always about God?

This award was the clear result of our Almighty Lord revealing how He transforms great adversity into great purpose. And He exhibited His glory on a national stage.

Rebecca and I chuckled through the event at the fact we were the only "unfamous" people receiving this award. In fact, we were some of the only non-famous people in the entire room. Surreal doesn't begin to describe what it felt like to have one of my heroes, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice accept the same award, speak on the same platform, and deliver a speech just minutes before us. One of the other honorees was world-famous billionaire, philanthropic tycoon Robert Smith (was that too many adjectives because I could use more). Oh, and don't forget Mike and Jackie Love from the Beach Boys. The BEACH BOYS. And to top it off, John Stamos aka "Uncle Jessie" was the emcee. Have Mercy….

I spent the night in a daze, greeted and hugged by congressmen, dignitaries and even royalty.

And then there was Rebecca and Christyn Taylor. The unknowns. The non-dignitaries. Nothing royal running through our blood.

Yet the fact we were unknown did not take away from the power of our redemptive story, in fact, you might even say it magnified it more. We were not special – merely average people who wanted to create something special for others. Because in reality, what are the chances a non-MD mother and a young child would start a complicated medical charity that raises millions of dollars? Especially when most of the work was completed from a hospital room under intense crises? And yet the Lord grew that organization to help children not just in San Antonio, Texas but across a nation.

This is what God does, He uses the "unknowns" of the world to orchestrate His grand purpose. A miracle from the unexpected.

Thank you Lord for allowing us to be used in your greater plan.

A little side-note:
My expectations for a presidential award gala were very different than what manifested. I anticipated a formal, almost regimented event. If you are reading this Points of Light staff, I apologize for the utterly wrong perception. The night turned out to be SO MUCH FUN. Between John Stamos' humor, the incredible music from the Beach Boys, Richard Marx, LOCASH to Fernando Varela - we were laughing, dancing and having the time of our lives. Of course meeting life-long heroes and royalty added to the magic of the evening as well. And yes, my sister Elizabeth found a way to make it on stage and sing with The Beach Boys! This memory will easily fall into my top 10 category. Please enjoy my 5,000 pictures. I will post a short video next.

Love to each of you,
C