Wednesday, April 16, 2008

A Heart Torn in Two

How can a heart be so full of joy and grieving at the same time?

Last Wednesday, two little girls were born into this world. My friend, Amy, delivered Hannah Grace. I am so excited for Amy and her husband. They are church planters in Minnesota. She was Weston's 6th grade teacher... and she was his favorite teacher. ( my favorite teacher of his as well.)

CONGRATULATIONS, AMY and Tim! We love you and can't wait to hold Hannah Grace.

Also, last Wednesday, Skylar Nicole was born. In the birthing process, her mother, Nicole had some complications and went home to be with Jesus.

Today, Nicole's funeral is taking place at Freedom Christian Assembly of God, the church we attended before we went to help with my brother-in-law's church plant in Royal Oak.


Nicole was only 24 years old. Sklyar, her first baby.

Skylar is healthy and beautiful. I know she will grow up knowing how wonderful her mother was. All who loved and knew Nicole will see to that.

Though I did not personally have a relationship with Nicole, many of my younger friends were close to her. However, I feel very connected to her and her family as I almost lost my life giving birth to Weston. My family didn't know if I was going to live or not. I lived. Nicole did not.


It is a mystery to me, why things happen the way they do. Why one so young dies and another lives.

Tragedy and Celebration. Both a part of this thing we live called life.

Today,
I rejoice with Amy and I grieve with Allen and Skylar. It is a very strange, awkward feeling. Tears of joy... and tears of grief... all at the same time.

This is a time of complete, blind TRUST in the ONE who created us. A time we have to look to HIM and say, "LORD, your ways are higher than our ways. Though I don't understand, I will still trust YOU, love YOU, and serve YOU."

Please pray today and in the days to come for Nicole's husband, Allen, her mom and dad, and the rest of the family.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I totally understand the “torn heart” . . we buried my beloved father on a Friday and I witnessed and welcomed the birth of my beautiful granddaughter the following Monday
...it was a heart numbing time for sure.

But we know that God does all things well.

Anonymous said...

Please let us know what we can be praying for.This brought me to tears. I am thankful for our eternity and our father. There are not words for a time like this.

Deb Seenarine Wilson said...

I love the scripture that says: "He knew us before we were born....". Isn't it wonderful to know that Father knew about all of this before it ever happened.
What a friend He is!
We will pray for God's amazing peace!

LAURIE said...

Wow, thanks for sharing that need, I will be praying for this family that has lost this precious Mother. God knows exactly what we need exactly the right time. I pray for peace and comfort. - Laurie

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

We've been there recently too....A birth in the church and a tragic death of a teen within two days of one another. It's hard not to just go numb, isn't it?

So glad you joined the M2M blog roll!

Treasure Seeker said...

a glimpse into two worlds...
yet we can identify with both.
what a beautiful post.
my heart shares your "torn-ness"

thanks!
dorinda

... and thanks for all your encouraging words/comments! blessings!

Anonymous said...

In my heart and prayers...

Jennifer said...

This family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You don't have to know them personally for your heart to hurt with theirs. God's grace is sufficient and I will pray that the Holy Spirit will wrap them in His loving and comforting arms as they grieve.

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

my heart is broken and can't quite understand how this can happen in this day and age...completely understand "a heart torn in two"

how heavy a burden for one family and how wonderful a blessing for Hannah Grace, Amy and her husband.

Skylar Nicole has indeed received the greatest gift of love, when one lays down their life for another...I pray for continual health for this precious one, and that the Comforter wraps His loving arms around this dad, and family with a deep peace, and that their mourning will turn into dancing...at the feet of Jesus, may they find a sweet joy of Nicole in the Presence of our Lord!
May the emptiness and grief be filled with the Compassion of Jesus, who will remain by their side through this difficult valley!
Blessings and praying, Peggy

Kathy said...

Oh my goodness, joy and despair. Until we get to Heaven our lives will be filled with both. I am looking forward to the 'only joy' part in Heaven! God's love and comfort can be seen in amazing ways during the most tragic events...Kathy@ Mimi's Garden

Karen Hossink said...

I am praying.

Unknown said...

Just found your blog.
What a sad/amazing post. We will pray for all involved.
Blessings,
Grace

Lelia Chealey said...

Found your blog on Beloved Mama's. My teen dgtr just gave birth in April. The thought of losing her during birth never crossed my mind. I can't even begin to imagine what her family is going through. Will pray & also rejoice for the other couple & that the baby survived.
Blessings~
Lelia