“So, after you’ve suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you." ~ 1 Peter 5:10
To Naomi, having experienced the
pain and trauma of a third emergency C-section, every day seemed like a
blessing and every single moment of his life was filled with love and joy. Joseph
was a tiny, snuggly infant with a beautiful smile and a lovable disposition. But
nothing could prepare her for the day that lay ahead.
Mom and son spent a lovely day together alone. When she
placed him in his crib, he looked peaceful as he drifted off into slumberland. Later,
when she attempted to wake the child, Joseph showed no signs of life and was
limp when the Mom of three picked him up.
Fear raced through her body with a force that took her
breath away. Call 911, stay in control, and begin CPR, she prompted herself. The
paramedics arrived and immediately transported them with the kind of speed that
let everyone know the siren wasn't a polite request to move.
The ER was a cacophony of
coughing, hacking, whispering, and wailing sounds. The baby was whisked away
and now she waited in the lobby that provided little comfort. Naomi stared down
at her hands, twisting and knotting them as if doing so would hold back the
turmoil inside her.
When the ER doctor approached
her with downcast eyes and a well-practiced voice, she knew that her greatest
motherly fear had become a reality. Little Joey was gone – they’d done
everything humanly possible.
Naomi sat, frozen, thinking of all the things little Joey
would never get the chance to do. Someday she’d no longer fear today’s events.
But for now, she’d let herself grieve for as long as it took. Her pain stood
witness to the loving bond that will survive his passing.
Naomi was taken aback. “Thank
you, that’s so kind of you” she began in a polite voice. “Actually, I believe
the opposite is true: God does give us more than we can handle. As a
result, we stop relying on ourselves and learn to rely on the One who raises
the dead. He gives us more than we can handle by ourselves so we will depend more
on Him.”
“It’s been a tragic day for my
family. Our son will be sorely missed. He is with our Lord now and His grace will
be sufficient for us. Would like to pray with me?”
“Father God, thank you the for people you
place on our paths to console and encourage us in our times of need. Help us shift
our focus from our own abilities, to lean on You with all our hearts and
infinite resources. Amen” ~ Naomi
