Having Faith

As many of you know, my sister, Larissa, has had an amazing year. Being married for seven years and it looking that children may not be in God's plan, they received a call on a Monday night in September. By that Thursday, they had little, precious four month old Lindsee in their arms. Larissa & Denny became parents over night, I officially became an aunt, and Mom became "Grammy"; we can't imagine life without her.

The first week of November, I received a call from Larissa. She told me I probably should get off the treadmill to receive her news. She then said, "Will you be upset if I beat you to motherhood again?" I instantly started weeping. Of course, they were joyous tears. Our hearts were overflowing.

Her pregnancy was going well. She had an ultrasound Thursday, Jan. 30. Heartbeat was great, SHE was doing flips. Yes, that's right, that day they found out they were having a girl! As I said before, our hearts were overflowing.

This leads up to Friday morning around 4:00 a.m. Jared is standing over me & says he needs to tell me something. Mom had called Jared and now he was relaying the message. Then he says, "Larissa & Denny had a miscarriage during the night." My mind went instantly to my sweet sister.
Jared meets at 5 a.m. on Fridays with a group of men in Odon for devotion & discussion. He said when he returned he would take me to Bedford to be with them.
I quickly called Mom only to find out that as I was talking to my mom my sister was still at her home, holding her precious little girl in her arms. Larissa had unexpectedly delivered her baby. But only hours before, she was hearing the heartbeat watching her little one be a gymnast inside her. Apparently, two EMT vehicles got stuck at the bottom of their drive and were unable to get to her for quite some time. All these images & thoughts were going through my mind as I was praying for my sister.

Jared returned and we were off to Bedford with Travor & Mom. By the time we did get to Bedford, it was around 8 a.m. and they were releasing Larissa. So, we quickly ran by Wal-Mart and picked up some groceries to stock their shelves.

When I saw my brother-in-law and sister come into their door, my heart hurt for them beyond description. It was reality. Denny went to bring Lindsee home from his sister's house. Seeing Lindsee's sweet smile and simple actions, made me appreciate God's design. As I watched Larissa & listened to her words, I had a deeper level of admiration for my sister. Her strength & courage spoke volumes about her. Although, we don't know His plan, we know that Friday, Jan. 31, 2009 was part of His plan. This is a season of Denny & Larissa's life. Like winter, when the trees are bare, you know with time & patience that spring and new life is coming.

Like I said earlier, I had all these images in my mind. The hospital did take a picture for Larissa and Denny (they did get to hold her at the hospital). Larissa asked if I wanted to see the picture. God's design is miraculous and should not be taken for granted. She had long fingers and toes, perfect ears, eyes, nose, and mouth that seemed to have a smile of peace. The doctors told them she weighed 6 oz. Who can say that isn't a true, human life?

Jeremiah 31:3 God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again.

Larissa and Denny have faith that God will we do just this, so it seemed perfect that they name her, Faith.

Continue to pray for them, all those that have lost a child, and those that are expecting.


Later that day, I was trying to put Lindsee down for a nap. She was restless and of course, didn't want to miss out on what Daddy, Uncle Jared, and Uncle Travor were doing. As I was standing, I began to rock back and forth singing, "Amazing Grace", softly in her ear as I rubbed her back. Within seconds she was asleep in my arms, but I didn't stop singing. It is amazing how God gives you a song, scripture, or words, just when you need it.
I plan to keep singing His praises to Lindsee all of her life and letting her know what a true gift she is from God.

God is so good and has a way of reminding us that he is near and watching over us. On Sunday, what song do you think the worship team sang? You're right, "Amazing Grace." My eyes instantly filled with tears. Then later this week, we received our next Netflix movie (one of the best investments) and guess what movie.... Amazing Grace.

His grace is amazing and no matter what season of life I'm in, I will have faith that He will never quit loving me and start over with me again if I need rebuilding.