“Mommy has a baby in her belly!” shouted Ben, as he ran into the living room, nearly falling face first into the couch.
I was stunned and silent, but only because of how excited I was.
Fast forward a few weeks and I’m searching for the words to explain to Ben (4) and Nora Jane (nearly 3) that they won’t meet the baby that was in mommy’s belly, not this side of heaven.
As it turns out, the slight spotting was but a shadow of the shattering reality to come.
Half of all pregnancies end this way. Half.
It makes me long for Jesus’ return to think of the moms and dads who mourn the death of their little ones, no matter the length of the pregnancy life.
As Providence would have it, I read this morning in Psalm 34, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (v.18).
His heart breaks for the broken hearts of his children. He draws near.
Just as I, a sinful, wicked father would draw near to my shattered child, so our sinless heavenly Father draws near. But he does it perfectly and with the power to bring healing.
With Job, the believer in Christ Jesus declares with deepest conviction, “Though you slay me, yet I will praise YOUR name.” That, “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” That, “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
The gospel is not just deliverance from the darkness of despair and damnation; it is deliverance into the life found in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thus, in an otherwise dark night in our lives, Lindsey and I find comfort and hope in the grace and nearness of God. We covet your prayers and partnership in showing the surpassing beauty and value of Christ Jesus above all else.
For those thinking, why don’t they just wait until the first trimester is over to tell people they’re pregnant? Here’s why.
patrick mitchell 
I am so sorry. I will pray for you and Lindsey, brother.
Stephen Lawson
Thank you, Stephen. Hope you are well, ol’ friend.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our COMFORT ABOUNDS through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5
Thank you, Allison. Your all’s love is treasured deeply.
So, so sorry Patrick! Praying for you all! Love you!
April
Thank you, April. See you guys soon.
You said last Sunday that the grey hairs have something to contribute. It has been over forty years and at times I still feel that loss of an unborn child…Looking forward to God’s great reunion…..Chod
Wow, Chod. Thank you for letting me know that. You and Lindsey are part of a special, sorrowful sorority.
I’m so sorry, my friends. Praying for you all.
Thank you, Rebecca. We covet your prayers. Healing is sweet.