Mother's Day brings back the memory of a story, a story that turned apprehension into hope.
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I decided to keep the news quiet as long as possible. I felt embarrassment mixed with panic and needed time to get used to the idea. At the same time, I felt guilty when I thought of the many who longed for a child and found themselves grieving with empty arms.
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A few weeks later we visited my parents' church. I felt as green as the dress I wore. God must have smiled as the service began. He had a special message just for me, one I would carry with me for a long time. It came in the from of a song, one written by Bill and Gloria Gaither when they, too, were expecting a child.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow . . . I know He holds the future . . .*
Tears sprang to my eyes as my husband squeezed my hand. The resurrection of Jesus . . . Of course! Because He lives, I could trust Him with our future and the future of our tiny secret, fearfully and wonderfully growing deep inside me.
November 1997 |
We named our baby Elisabeth Grace in remembrance of God's promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9. "My grace is sufficient for you . . ." Now a junior in college, Elisabeth brings her humor, conversation, and thoughtfulness to our family. How could I have ever doubted God's wisdom? That Easter morning holds a hallowed place in my heart. God's faithfulness during that time has given me courage to face other challenges, far more daunting.
I'll always remember the day when Elisabeth, then in elementary school, said to me, "I'm glad my middle name is Grace."
I couldn't trust my voice to answer, but gave her a wobbly smile. Me, too, Elisabeth. Me, too.
*Copyright by William J. Gaither, 1971.
Dearest Sarah...you will never know how MUCH this blessed my heart. I had Helen at 38 also but never pregnant before. Her middle name is also Grace because of that same verse but I had forgotten recently. Thank you SO for this...much love to you...from Colleen
ReplyDeleteThank you, Colleen. Happy Mother's Day to you! And so grateful for the grace that goes with us through the years! Blessings . . .
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