Sorrow and Joy

Soon after we received Elise's diagnosis during my pregnancy, Missy reminded me of a book I had once read and recommended she read.  In the book I Will Carry You, author Angie Smith tells her story of carrying a child to term that she knew would likely pass away at birth. In the chapter Burden Carriers, she begins with this quote from Amy Carmichael. I saved it, knowing it would be applicable to our situation and an important passage to reflect on in the future. Today is that day.  

"Sorrow is one of the things that are lent, not given.
A thing that is lent may be taken away;
a thing that is given is not taken away.
Joy is given;
sorrow is lent.
We are not our own,
we are bought with a price...
Our sorrow is lent to us for just a little while
that we may use it for eternal purposes.
Then it will be taken away
and everlasting joy will be
our Father's gift to us,
and the Lord God will wipe away
all the tears from off all faces."

Thank you to everyone who reached out to us after yesterday's devastating discovery. Thank you to each one of you who said a prayer for our family. Thank you to each person who requested prayers from their friends and family on our behalf. God bless each one of you- family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. We are 
overwhelmed by your support.

"For weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning."   Psalm 30:5