Category: Faith

Honoring the Memory of our Everly Eden

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A little over two weeks ago, I asked a small group of family and friends to gather to honor the memory of our Everly Eden. That day, October 15th is considered Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. All over the world candles are lit at 7 pm to honor all the angel babies. When these candles stay lit for at least an hour in each time zone, it creates a wave of light. This year, lighting a candle just did not seem like enough. I wanted to do something that would give a greater memory for us.

That evening everyone gathered at 6:30 pm. My plan was to read a brief story about our journey, light Everly’s candle, and then have everyone release lighted sky lanterns. I am not one to enjoy standing in front of a group of people and talk about anything…let alone read something I had written about our emotional journey. My stomach was in knots but I knew that reading my story would help me with the healing process.

In Memory of Everly Eden

I began to read. I began to cry. Tears of sorrow and tears of joy. I would like to share with you what I read that evening:

 

Five and a half months ago, I went into labor with our second child. Upon arriving at the hospital, we learned that our daughter, Everly Eden had no heartbeat. Thank you all for joining us tonight to remember Everly and recognize Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Most of you probably do not realize how often this kind of loss occurs. Surprisingly, losses happen to 1 in 4 women. However, tonight instead of focusing on our heartbreaking loss we want to focus on the goodness of God. Walking through this valley has no doubt brought us closer to the Lord. A few verses I would like to share with you have brought us comfort.

 

Psalm 18:2:

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

– At Topsail Beach last year I gathered beautiful rocks along the beach. At that moment, I had no idea I was pregnant and we definitely had no idea what devastating turn our life would take 9 months later. These rocks are now a symbol to remind me that God is my rock. The one in whom I find comfort. If you are in need of God’s comfort please take a rock. Place it somewhere so that you are reminded of God’s power and grace. (These love rocks are inspired by a story of a mom who lost her two daughters when they were tragically hit by a car in front of their home. You can read more about their story here: http://love-drenched-life.com/love-rocks/)

Love Rocks in Memory

 

Romans 8:28:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those called to His purpose.

– God does not promise that a Christian life will be easy. In fact, the Bible states that the evil one comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Your trials and tribulations will bring you closer to God if you let them. We are all called to share our testimony to shine a light on God’s goodness.

 

Matthew 5:16:

Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

– Tonight we light this special candle not only to remember our daughter but to bring God the glory for the light that shines within us. I pray that our story will touch your heart and inspire you to seek God’s comfort in your trials and tribulations.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,
Remind us that you are our rock and that through the trials and tribulations this broken world brings into our lives we can find comfort in only You. And, through You, we find the strength to shine bright for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Lighted Lantern Release

Sky Lantern Release

  • Thank you to my family and friends for taking pictures to help keep this memory!

Wake up Christians

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Cost of Sin

What is it with some Christians having an Old Testament view of the world? This idea that an eye for an eye is somehow creating justice for all parties involved seems crazy to me! As you all know (if you watch the news or are in touch with social media), there were two reporters recently shot by a former coworker. He felt mistreated by this news station. Maybe he was mistreated but we will save the debate of his reasons for another day. In my eyes, it is just another example of the moral degradation of our society.

 

Instead, I want to talk about something said about the female shot in this horrific ordeal. Here is the backstory… My brother had an old woman tell him that the female reporter deserved it because she was living in sin. Apparently, she lived with her boyfriend. Whoa. Big offense, right? Are there people that really believe this was God’s way of “dealing” with her sin? Give me a break. This view makes me so mad. To think that somehow she deserved this because of the life she was living absolutely blows my mind! Using this line of thinking, I wonder what sin Rob and I committed for our baby to die at 37.5 weeks gestation. A Charlotte pastor and his wife recently lost both of their children in a car accident. What sin did they commit to deserve this loss? This old woman’s comment left my brother in shock. I just wish she realized that her comments do more harm than good.

 

First of all, how can anyone judge another person’s life when we are ALL SINNERS!! This is what I call Old Testament thinking. We can all agree there are situations in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, where God punishes His followers for not obeying his commandments. A great example if this is with the Israelites being lost in the wilderness for forty years. God withheld His promises from them for disobeying Him. However, in the New Testament God sends His son, Jesus to die on the cross to forgive us from our sins. Does anyone remember that story? I know it is really only thought about on Easter and maybe Christmas when someone points out that the reason for the season is Jesus. Sad but true. For proof, look at the commercialization of these holidays. As a family do you focus more on the gifts you are giving/receiving or the fact that our Savior was born? Nevertheless, Jesus is our judge and one day we will all answer to Him for the sins we have committed.

 

The fact is, we are all sinners by nature and we need Jesus! These reporters were shot because we live in a broken world. As Christians, we should be doing everything we can to reach out to all people. If someone you know is committing a sin then hug him or her a little harder. Accept them. Have compassion. Forgive them. Help lead them to Jesus by your example. That is why we are here!! We are God’s soldiers and our mission is to help set the captives free. Just don’t forget to repent for your sins while you are influencing others to live for Jesus.

 

“Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.” John 8:7

 

Thanks for reading!