It had been three weeks since I had been in church due to traveling or illness. I walked into the church choir room and reached for my choir robe and choir folder. Upon opening my choir folder, I found my pencil for marking my music, my pack of tissues that I keep handy should I feel touched, as I often do, by the sermon, a few pieces of music … and then there was a small cloth bag. On the bag were the words “The Giving Keys”. And inside the bag was a necklace with a key on it. And engraved on the key was the word “FAITH” … Who in the world had left me such a beautiful and inspirational treasure?! I was so puzzled and excited and surprised someone would be so kind to me. I was running a bit late and in a hurry, so here I am juggling my choir folder, wriggling into my choir robe, staring dumbfounded at a special gift,  all the while trying to determine what piece of music we were singing that morning.

Throughout the service that morning I kept asking myself … “Who? Who did this random act of kindness?” The enclosed card stated you must pay it forward and I really liked my new found treasure so my first thought was selfish .. I didn’t want to share it with anyone! Of course that thought was momentary and I could hardly pay attention to the mornings sermon as I pondered who could use the blessing more than me. So many friends came to mind.

I went home that afternoon and googled “The Giving Keys” and this is what I found. “An actress and singer/ songwriter, Caitlin Crosby, started wearing a New York hotel room key as a necklace while on tour and had the idea to start engraving old, used keys with inspirational words. Realizing that, in a way, we are all like these keys – unique, flawed, scarred, and sometimes discarded by others – she wanted these keys to have their purpose renewed over and over again. Caitlin always knew she wanted a charitable dimension to The Giving Keys, and within a few months she found the missing link. On a rainy day while walking on Hollywood Boulevard, Caitlin saw a couple named Rob and Cera sitting under an umbrella holding a sign that read Ugly, Broke & Hungry. Caitlin invited them to dinner, where she serendipitously discovered that Cera made jewelry. This was a magical a-ha moment where Caitlin asked them to be her business partners. Rob and Cera joined the team and started making The Giving Keys the very next day. Step by step, Rob and Cera saved enough money for a hotel room, then an apartment, and then a home to call their own! Today they are living in San Diego where Rob works for the San Diego Zoo and Cera is also employed. This was the start of the company’s passion to help those who have been affected by homelessness.” (Taken from the home page of The Giving Keys)

I thought about this FAITH key for days, giving prayerful consideration as to whom God would have me bless it upon. There were many folks that I knew would find it to be a treasure, just as I did. But one person kept coming to mind. The son of a friend and his wife had a baby born at 27 weeks and weighing 2 pounds, 7 ounces. I thought about our little Archer, although born full-term but with complications after birth, and how he had stayed in the NICU ten days after his birth. I remember how frightening it was for my daughter and her husband, and even for me as a nurse who understood he would get well and go home soon. I saw photos of this little baby girl with oxygen and a feeding tube looking so tiny and frail and I prayed fervently for her little life. I knew she had a long way to go but I also knew I believe Hebrews 11:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Anyway, my friend, Julie, the baby’s grandmother, I determined would be who I would pass my key on to. Julie has been an inspiration to me and to many others throughout the years because of how she lives her life for God. She is an example of Gods perfect love and she is a role model of Gods perfect FAITH. But even with a strong faith, during times of trouble we become weak and fearful. It’s easy to feel alone and as if our faith is tested when life is difficult. God was telling me Julie needed this key. Imagine my joy when I learned this tiny, precious little baby was given the name Emma FAITH. That key was meant for Julie and perhaps someday Julie will pass it on to Emma.

Yes, Emma Faith … a little premature infant that shares a name for something greater than me or you or anyone. We must have faith in all things big and small … but in God most of all. I’ve been told Emma Faith went home yesterday.  Prayers sweet baby girl  … grow strong! I believe in FAITH! I hope you do too!