She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. –Proverbs 31:25

Day 36 of 365. Meet Samantha Langdon. Sam is my 24 year old cousin. Actually, she’s 24 TODAY. If anyone has earned the right to have her life celebrated to the full on her big day, it’s Sam. Girl….I hope there’s a festival going on for you this week up in Muncie!

I’m the oldest grandchild on my mom’s side of the family, and Sam is (almost) the youngest. Her brother is the same age as my oldest son, Nick. I am pretty sure I am within a year or two in age to her mother. Also, she grew up two hours away from my hometown, so for those reasons, we’ve never made the kind of connection that contemporaries might make. However, I’ve been watching her from a distance over the years and this is one young lady who has been a warrior since she was very small.

Around the age of 3 or so if my memory serves, Sam was diagnosed with cancer. It’s a battle she fought bravely, with the help of some fine folks at Riley Hospital. She was one sick little girl, and she smiled throughout the fight. Except for the parting “gift” of Diabetes, Sam took the beast down! From my perch here an hour south, I’d say Sam has managed to move forward in her life, without fear of the future as the scripture quote above states, primarily because of her strong faith in Christ. At times, her cross has been very heavy, and she’s always carried it anyway. She’s a courageous human.

I chose this photo of Sam because she looks so joyous when she’s hanging with the youngest among us. She’s a Ball State grad who excels at art and has an old soul. She paints, she runs, she takes stunning photographs in natural settings, and she reminds others about the importance of faith. At our family Thanksgiving events over many years, she was the mayor of the craft table…and we didn’t believe in term limits! Her patience and fondness for all the children was remarkable and ever present.

Sam, I admire you for your faithfulness, creativity, and patience. Your love of the Lord always shines through in all you say and do. I hope your Reds have a great season!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!