Almost two years ago, I wept at my computer while writing this post about my cousin Michelle, who lost her mom and her unborn baby within days of one another. I told the story in the book as well, because Michelle has been to me such a clear example of someone who grows more beautiful in the most difficult battle.
When their sweet baby, Layla, was stillborn, they said sad goodbyes and buried her in the arms of her grandmother. Layla was the second baby they had lost that year.
In Romans 8:28, we are promised that He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him. That verse does not actually say that He works everything out for those who love Him – but that He works them together to make us look more like His own dear son.
I’d like Him to fix everything. To fill all the empty places. To repair all that was lost. But the promise is that He will fill us and repair us. He works sorrow into beauty inside of us, even when the circumstances don’t seem to agree. Even when our dreams seem to be delayed or denied. He is at work.
He is building and creating and weaving His purpose into our lives and sending rain to our thirsty hearts.
Sometimes, however, His work is not the way we hope it will be…it’s better. It’s exceedingly, abundantly, outlandishly more beautiful than we could ever have scripted it. Sometimes, in fact, His work is so good, that we experience a great rush of relief that He never let us hold the pen.
Look what was born onto Michelle & Kirk’s battlefield this fall:
Welcome, Miss Andrea. You are a long-awaited miracle.
If you or a friend have suffered the pain of losing a child, I highly recommend the book, See You in a Breath, by my friend, Stephanie Nelson. It’s just $2.99 on Kindle and it’s filled with raw truth and real gold mined from the shadowy valley.
How is He turning beauty to ashes in your life today? I’d really love to know.
For Beauty,
Bo
*Tears*
He makes all things new! So happy for Kirk and Michelle. And what a beauty Andrea is.
Thank you for sharing their joy with us. xoxo
Beauty from ashes indeed!
I remember your original blog post about Michelle. Emily was just a few days old and in the arms of my mom when I read it. You can probably imagine my post-partum fueled reaction.
Congrats to Michelle and her family on the birth of beautiful Andrea!
Thank you for such a beautiful reminder of what God develops in and through us by way of suffering. For someone who has not experienced tremendous loss, I am so grateful for the women that have offered their stories of loss, grief, miraculous healing power of God; the story of redemption and love spoken through each surrendered life. Thank you all, really, thank you.
Oh my goodness. What a cute and adorable miracle! Beauty from ashes, so true! Isaiah 61:3 is one of my most favourite verses in the entire bible. I currently don’t have any piles of ‘ashes’ but I am a testimony to the fact that if you follow Jesus through your darkest times, he will bring light and beauty, and you will be blessed!
I have been very blessed and I’m not afraid to tell anyone who asks.
Oh Bo! I just read that chapter last night! What a blessing to see this. Thank you so much, and thank you Jesus for this gift.
ALL things for our good! Trusting God when I miscarried at age 42 after years of infertility; Trusting God after 2 failed adoptions of 2 baby girls;, after supporting birth mother for 5 months, and she changes her mind; Trusting God after holding, & naming 2nd newborn in our arms, (parolee birth father steps in). Trusting God: Annabelle Joy’s birth mom cried her heart out when she handed her baby girl to me. All things work together for our good…we just may not always see what goodness will come because our eyes may be blurred with tears. TRUST!
Joanie… THAT story is a book God wrote that I am dying to read- I love you….
andrea
Bo! ‘We experience a great rush of relief that He never let us hold the pen’…. that kind of faith looks downright “heavenly” on you! More, more… and WHAT a cute name on that precious baby…. wink wink – xo
Amazing post!!
Reading your post is dangerous. I find myself fighting back tears then I read:
He is building and creating and weaving His purpose into our lives and sending rain to our thirsty hearts.
Niagra falls. What a wonderful post.
You are a gifted writer.
BTW: I referenced you on my website and I have photos of you and Steve at the Gala.
http://www.meandals.com/akhils-thoughts.html
I have just started reading. A friend linked me to your blog today. My sister is caring for her husband who was diagnosed with ALS August of 2012. 8 months ago this man was coaching soccer and swinging down a zip line in Mexico. Today, in a wheel chair, a human soul trapped in a body that no longer functions. His eyes speak words he can not speak. I am doing what I can to offer support. How do you support your sister who has limited time with her husband. How do support a young man who’s dad is helpless. Yet we do. I have passed your blog along to her as well. She has little time to read here, so I will. Thank, Elizabeth