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 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.
Beautiful! You are held by Him and by so many of us that love and admire you. Sending you a hug and much love Cheryl xx
ReplyDeleteMike and Mandy - You are two extraordinary people who's faith in God shines in all you say and do. When they say there are "Angels who walk among us", they are certainly talking about both of you. Lily was sent for a reason; a precious child with a message. That message will live on in you.
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ReplyDeleteYour blog is a beautiful tribute to your daughters life. She obviously touched many in her short life. My third son, Ethan was born with Zellweger Syndrome and lived for 88 days and we were so blessed by life. My husband and I had always wanted a large family and were discouraged by the 1 in 4 odds. We had people tell us "at least you have two healthy boys" or "it certainly isn't worth the risk", but I kept feeling the Lord tell me to trust him and that he would give me the desires of my heart. Long story short and thirteen years later we have been blessed with 3 adopted children and I have given birth to four more beautiful, healthy children since Ethan. We never did testing, because we knew that whatever God gave us would be a blessing. He grew our family and gave us the desires of our heart! I am thankful that I listened and trusted God and not those around us. Of course I do not know God's plan for you but I wanted to encourage you by sharing a little of our story. God bless you on your journey! Lisa
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Beautiful post. Please know that I'm praying for you today.
ReplyDeleteAnna T