What It Means To Be Held

This is what it means to be held

How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive

This is what it is to be loved and to know

That the promise was that when everything fell

We'd be held

-Natalie Grant, "Held"

One year ago we discovered what it means to be held. One year ago we entered the emergency room with our precious Lily Grace, and hours later left with empty arms and hearts. With all the pain from that day, what we remember most is the peace and presence of God that filled that tiny hospital room. We were met that evening with a love from God that is miraculous and unexplainable. The song "Held," by Natalie Grant is a beautiful explanation of the promise made to us, that when everything fell, we'd be held.

One year ago we had to figure out a new way of life.  We knew we would always carry a burden, and we were told the pain of losing a child would never go away.  One year later, we are here to say that the pain does not go away but the number of days between the breathtaking heartbreak becomes greater.  When Lily Grace went to be with Jesus, our picture and plan for our future became very blurred, we had no idea what to make of the mess.  Throughout this past year, God has been so gracious to us.   One day at a time He causes that picture a little clearer.  In Romans 8:28 it says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  We do not believe in coincidences...we believe in a divine plan for our lives.  This year there have been so many "coincidences" that we can see Gods' hand in every aspect of our journey with Lily Grace.  Oddly enough, Lily's grave marker was installed yesterday, one day before the day she went to be with Jesus.  Today, we feel blessed at how God has used Lily Grace to touch our lives with such beautiful memories.  Today, we feel blessed to have learned what it means to be held.