“There is the truth: Blessed-lucky-are those who cry. Blessed are those who are sad, who mourn, who feel the loss of what they love-because they will be held by the One who loves them. There is a strange and aching happiness only the hurting know-for they shall be held.” -ann voskamp, the broken way
A little over a week ago it was #worldprematurityday. Years ago, this day had little significance to me, but that all changed in 2009 when our daughter was born almost two months early. In 2015, our youngest daughter was also born prematurely.
These two share similar stories; yet, each are uniquely their own.
I walked through dark valleys that changed me in ways I will forever be grateful for. Days that were filled with uncertainty, fear, and loneliness.
Those days made me realize and feel God’s presence in ways I had not known. When life is always going easy, it is easy to say you have faith. But to really know that faith that we often talk about, is truly a gift. Years later I can see the beautiful way God was writing my story through those trials.
To the mama that just found out her baby will be delivered earlier, much earlier, than expected.
To the mama who has no idea, no answer for when her baby will get to come home with her.
To the mama that keeps thinking this isn’t the way you had envisioned things.
To the mama that feels so alone. That wonders if she could have done something different.
Mama, you are not alone. There is a God who loves you and holds you and feels you. He has a purpose through all things. One day it will all be abundantly clear. You may always feel pain and feel sorrow as you remember these days, but in time you will also see light, beauty and grace weaved through it all.