I am reading several books currently, and one of them is "I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith. The book is about Angie's baby Audrey, who changed the world. I will post Audrey's story.
Something that I read from her book is ministering to me today. She writes about the story of Lazarus from John 11. Angie wrote she became fascinated by the story of Lazarus. She wrote, "The Greek word translated Lord...is kyrios and denotes sovereignty." Lazarus' sisters Martha and Mary called out to Jesus as the One who had the power to heal, recognizing His dominion over everything, including life and death. Angie wrote, "A plea offered in submission and humility to the One who holds the fate of their brother in His hands - what a beautiful image of trust."
This is the part that is really ministering to me. Angie wrote, "What Mary and Martha say in their message to Jesus is not as interesting to me as what they don't say. They don't refer to Lazarus by name, nor do they ask Him to heal their brother. While we can infer that they were conveying a need for help, they don't actually ask Him to do anything specific. This request is similar to the one that Mary, the mother of Jesus, made at the wedding feast in Cana. We are told that as the wine started to run out, she said to Jesus, 'They have no more wine.' She doesn't explicitly tell Him the solution she is looking for but rather states the problem and waits to see what He will do about it."
This ministered to me because ever since I have learned about Grace's diagnosis, I have prayed specifically for things based on the solution I am looking for: Grace to live and to be "normal," for her to have quality to her life, for her to know me as her Momma, and Chad as her Daddy, and to know that our love for her is forever.
Angie also wrote, "I am pretty comfortable saying He is in complete control until the ground grows weak beneath me. At that point I tell Him what He should do to fix it. While I know there isn't anything wrong with asking God to intervene, there is a gentle surrender that I was drawn to in this story." She continues..."Recognize who He is - kyrios - and tell Him the problem. Leave the rest to Him."
God, I surrender all to you. I surrender Grace to you. I recognize your sovereignty, your power to heal (both here on earth and in heaven), and your dominion over everything. I trust you. Grace, the one you love, is sick. I leave the rest to you.
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Hello Karen
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I already have a huge broken heart for you and your family- after reading your blog for a few minutes. You see even though I am only 21 and do not have any kids, God has grown a huge heart in me for children. He did this through Joshua Sams. Joshua Sams (parents Matt and Susie Sams) a now almost 3 year old angel had a "cele" as well. Perhaps you have talked to his parents or read his mommas bog http://mnssams.blogspot.com. He lived for 67 days, and for those 67 days and the months prior to his birth I prayed harder then perhaps I ever have. Joshua had 67 miraculous days, and while I wanted more then anything to meet him and hold him I was never able, but in those days my whole world was rocked. His life impacted me probably more than anyone else I know(my parents my be the exception). 3 years later I still think about him most every day. I still thank God for the change He used Joshua for in my heart, and the incredible blessings that have come from his story.
I don't know why God had me stop and write to you exactly. But I want you to know what an incredible blessing your little Gracie already is to this world, to people you know, and those you don't. She is already changing hearts and breaking walls. Thank you for her life.
I also read Angie's blog, and I am in awe of how small of a world we live in, and how connected we can be to each other even without ever meeting.
I believe in a Big God who does Big things and I am so excited to see where He will carry you through all the tears and all the joy. The precious life in you will shape your world forever and God is going to use her life for Big things, Kingdom things.
You are being loved so strongly, keep pressing in to Hm, it is such a blessing to see you already doing so so much. You are all in my prayers and on my heart. Thank you again for sharing Grace's sweet life with us.
Jeannette