Friday, November 7, 2008

String of Pearls

What a gorgeous fall day! The dimensions and vast arrays of colors are stunning. I have always LOVED this time of year.

Colorful fall leaves remind me that it is when we die to ourselves that true beauty can be revealed and that even after physical death - there is MORE.

I received the heart wrenching news yesterday that a precious and highly anticipated baby was still born. The first time mother was days away from her due date and felt playful kicks up until the day before her baby was born. She had gone to her last OB appointment and the heartbeat could not be found. They induced and several hours later this family got to meet their precious 7 lb baby "Grace." But they had to meet and say goodbye almost in one breath.

There simply are not words for this kind of loss. But it has been such a testimony of God's faithfulness, grace and peace that He offers His children. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4; (Jesus Said:) "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:2


They are not alone in this journey. Sadly, many have had to walk similar paths. You may have noticed the new link on the side of my blog "String of Pearls." It is a ministry that has been birthed out of similar loss and pain. God has planted hope and healing within their lives and they walk with families into the valley. Weep with them, allow them to grieve among those who deeply understand, and help point them to Christ so they too can experience the hope and healing needed to climb back up the slope out of the valley and into the new buds of spring that God has been cultivating within them during the long cold months of winter.

Heather and Jeff (and their families) have found themselves in the deepest parts of the valley right now, but thankfully they know the hope of Jesus Christ. (Some of the richest green is found in the valleys.) Please pray for them. They need brothers and sisters in Christ to be holding them up. If you would like to help in a "hands on" kind of way, please e-mail me at ateachableheart@gmail.com. If you would like to support the ministry of "String of Pearls," you can click on the links or their picture on the side of my blog and be directly connected to their website.

God's Peace to You~

7 comments:

Kathryn said...

Heather, Jeff and their amazing Grace have been in my thoughts and prayers this past week. Their "faith in the fire" has been a wonderful witness during this unthinkable time and a powerful testimony ... all for the glory and honor of God.

Shanda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Your writings are beautiful, your ministry wonderful. I will be back!

I found you searching for templates via Lena!! God is Good!

Shanda said...

Here is a brief summary of "String of Pearls" ministry from Laura (founder of String of Pearls):
"We are a registered non-profit created to walk with families who have been given a fatal diagnosis for their unborn baby and have chosen to carry their baby
to as close to term as possible. This allows families to have another option instead of terminating the pregnancy. We are here to help people walk through saying goodbye to their baby before they said hello.

This has been an incredible opportunity God has given us to reach out to families who feel so alone. When we started this journey with our Pearl we
felt so alone and never want anyone to feel like that again."

Mikki Black said...

Shanda - I joined with SITS b/c of seeing it on your blog. It's pretty nifty! I'm enjoying reading all the blogs. I really am enjoying yours, too. You're a good writer.

Hugs to you and the fam!

jori-o said...

Thanks so much for stopping by today! It breaks my heart when people have to go through such loss, but it is so wonderful to know that Heavenly Father is mindful of us--especially when we are hurting so.

Anonymous said...

Oh I GRIEVE for this family! I am so very very sorry. I would be DEVASTATED!

My hope was one day to be able to photograph for "Now I lay me down to sleep". A tragedy that I could maybe help a family keep some beautiful memories of.

Have a great week, Shanda!