Thirteen Traits Of an Amazing Woman in my Life

Reagan Rose Moore's Thirteenth Birthday.

February 04, 2009.

Yesterday was a special day in the Moore home; the celebration of Reagan's 13'th birthday. So, I wrote down 13 things that are very dear to me about my sister, and ways she is an example to other young women in our community.

1. She is a Reader: In a world that is illiterate.

Reagan has an ever growing collection of books. A beautiful collection of books; tales about heroes of the faith, womanhood, the noble family, and a variety of other things. Dad is a book collector, but out of all seven of us Moore children, only Reagan and I are collectors the way he is. (Granted, Gator reads all of our collections sometimes before we do)

Yesterday, she received 'The Little Boy Down the Road' and others, as gifts. Watching her light up over receiving a book, made me wonder how many girls on their thirteenth birthdays receive gifts that are twenty times the purchase price, but not even a fraction of the value of these simple treasures? Reagan understands the value of the printed page, and she delights in it.

2. She's a Light: When the world worships darkness.

From the time my sister was born, our house changed. After five boys in a row, a girl was a special gift from God to my parents; and she has always brought a certain unique light to our home. As she has matured, she has brought that light to the rest of the world through her testimony as a daughter.

3. She is a Rose: Among women of stone.

Reagan is a flower. Delicate, complex, and full of splendid and striking colors. In our statist age of feminism and women hardened and embittered, she holds no bitterness. She remembers no offense. She forgives, and gives selflessly.

4. She brings Joy: To those who are mourning.

Reagan is not just happy; she has a joy that radiates, as only a spiritual joy can. Her joy and peace are contagious, infectious, and irrestistible. No matter how intense our work has been on various projects, Reagan popping into the room with a plate of something scrumptious and her deliciously cheery smile brings the morale of the troops back up to operating standards

5. She is Wise: When the trend is to be silly.

Girls are thought to be silly. But I remember one man in a particular work of fiction saying, 'Men of sense, whatever you may say, do not want silly wives!'. Well, a man of sense will see Reagan as a priceless object to be desired. Her joy is not a giddy joy; it is a joy founded in wisdom.

6. She is Fearless: In a world that is afraid.

We live in turbulent times. My sister not only understands that, but puts her faith in a sovereign God to direct the paths of history, and trusts that all things will work together for good, to those that love God and are called according to his purpose.

7. She is a Friend: To her Mother.

Reagan and Mom have some wonderful conversations; because Reagan isn't a little girl; she's a young woman, and a young woman that Mom enjoys conversing with. It's actually surprising how their conversations move quickly through deep topics.

8. She is a Treasure: To her Father.

Reagan is her Daddy's greatest delight. His most precious earthly treasure. He cares for her and protects her heart more carefully than a greedy man his gold.

9. She is a Secretary: To her Older Brother.

Those who know me realize I am a little scattered. (Understatement of the Year Award goes to...) But Reagan is an able secretary, and helps with everything from shipping packages to tidying up the office, to taking phone calls. She is also a secretary for Mom, which could be a full time occupation in itself...

10. She is a Gourmet Chef: To all of her Brothers!

Reagan (especially recently) has more than proven her proficiency with the tools of domestic peacemaking. The fact is, the family meal determines the mood of the family. What they eat, how they eat, and when they eat it are all important defining factors of how we interact and get along. The meal is a sacred family institution, and Reagan makes sure it is something special and yummy!

11. She is a Calligrapher: In an Age of Instant Messaging.

Dad used to crack the whip to make all of us boys practice our handwriting for thirty minutes a day. And I think in spite of all the hours I put in on this exercise, my handwriting is barely legible. But Dad never had to ask Reagan to learn the arts of penmanship. She is an artist with text, and has some of the most gorgeous handwriting I have ever seen. This has been true since she was only seven, and nobody here will argue the fact that Reagan has the best handwriting in our home.

12. She is Purity: When Many are Defiled.

Reagan has the most blessed sort of purity, purity of heart. She has a heart that is truly sacred and undefiled by the culture of modern American girls.

13. She is a Singer: With a Song on Her Heart.

Her purity of heart is reflected by her pure tone as she sings hymns, psalms, and prayers in the hallways and rooms of our home. Her crystal voice carries magnificently down the halls, serenading the family. Much the same way her meals set a tone, her voice sets a tone for us as we watch.

Thank you Reagan, for everything you do. Every day the way you give to all of us, most times without thanks. You are a marvelous young woman, and I wouldn't trade you for anyone in the world!

~ In Christ, John.