{31 for 21} Day 20: This Child

This is the 3rd part of a group series, covering faith and Down syndrome. Many will be linked on the 31-for-21 Group Page - I'd love to hear your perspective. A comment would be so welcome, as would a link to your blog, or a post that you've perhaps written about this? 

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I've been a Christian for about as long as I've been married.  I've experienced highs and lows, but never anything that shook me to the foundation.  Until Sweet Pea was born.


I remember countless days and nights crying out "why?" and never getting an answer.  Then, in the midst of the storm of whys...


"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10


There came a reply: "Why not?"


Through nights of crying and trying to remember anything, everything that I could have, should have...


"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted' Matthew 5:4


Finally coming to the realization that if anything had been different, I wouldn't have this child.  This child that we were meant to have to change our future.


"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:10-12


Learning now to give up control of what was never mine to control in the first place.  Letting go and letting God take control.  Walking in faith that everything will be accomplished according to His plan.


I didn't plan this (who does?) but I had a choice.  I could have chosen to let this shatter my faith and miss out on all the joy and beauty that Sweet Pea has brought.  But instead, I choose to trust the One who orchestrated it all.  He sees the beginning from the end and knows the path we are to walk.  It may not always be sunshine and roses but I know we are being refined like silver in a furnace- refined so the Silversmith can see His reflection in us.  And isn't that why we're here?  To reflect Jesus to those around us?


"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28


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Since the day we found out about her heart defect, Sweet Pea has been covered in prayer.  Our family prays for her every night.  Our church prayer warriors lift her up each and everyday.  And now, with her surgery yesterday, there were prayer warriors across the country praying for her and her doctors.  


"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22


They took the ventilator out this afternoon and Sweet Pea is responding so well.  She's getting sassy and kicking off any blankets they put on her and not letting them play (work with the IVs) in her feet/ legs.   The doctors are going to let her try to eat something in a couple hours.  So far, they are very impressed with how well she is doing.  


We are so grateful for everyone who has prayed for and sent positive thoughts for Sweet Pea and for us.  I know the only way I've been so calm through this is because people have been praying specifically for that.

Taken a couple days before her surgery, but I couldn't have another post without a picture of absolute cuteness =)