Good morning…
After four years of infertility and four miscarriages, this picture was taken just minutes after our first son Kyler was born thirty-one years ago. We see the blood, his gasp for breath, the total admiration in my face. Giving birth is risky, very very risky. Every time a baby is born, an awesome, terrifying miracle takes place.
I am reminded of this truth as in the same week our daughter-in-law Chandler gave birth to our first grandchild, a memorial service was held for Weldon Lummus, an extraordinary young woman who died during childbirth in December. As I read her obituary again on Monday, in prayerful solidarity with her family and several of my friends who attended her service that day, I realized that Chandler and Weldon share the same birthday. May 15th. Both were born on May 15th, a bittersweet connection I will never forget. From now until forevermore, I will celebrate the life of both of these incredible women on the shared day of their birth.
One amazing woman lives through the risk of childbirth and the other amazing woman does not. How are we to make sense of this reality, God?
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath (Psalm 34:18, MSG).
Lord, please be with us as we face life’s most excruciating losses.
…Sue…
