As 2019 comes to a close and a new decade begins, I’ve done a lot of reflecting. My sweet sister in law made this stocking for @davidleeblair and I, with 8 little charms representing our 8 little babies we have conceived and lost. The sweetest gift of all were three donations made in their honor, to provide nutrients and formula to a new mom and baby, shelter for a family living in poverty, and food and nutrients to a malnourished child. These babies of ours have made a lasting impact not only in our lives and in the lives of our families, but in the lives of strangers on the other side of the globe as well.
.
This last decade has been filled with trials I could have never imagined when we got married in October 2013. But there is so much purpose and joy there, too. While miscarriage and pregnancy loss are never “good” things, I can truly and honestly say God is still good. 2019 has been a year of healing, a year of faith restored, and a year of depth and growth. I’ve been listening to some of the worship songs I used to listen to on repeat earlier in this decade. Yesterday was the due date of our first little Blessing, and throughout the day yesterday I found myself listening to the song “Oceans” on repeat. .
The bridge says, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet would ever wander, and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior”
.
This last decade I have been taken deeper than my feet would have ever chosen to wander. But I can confidently say my faith has been made stronger. I have never felt the presence of the Lord more closely, intimately, and personally than I have walking through this season. I am immensely grateful for the lives of my babies, immensely grateful for the places in my heart God has touched and healed, and immensely grateful to know He is still writing a beautiful story. A story that isn’t over yet, it is just beginning. I am confident He is good, He can be trusted, and for the first time, I can honestly say my trust in Him is truly without borders.
#miscarriage #endofanera #newdecade #growth #healing #infertility #hope
If I could sum up in 8 years of working with survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction, it’s this: We are way more alike than we are different. Last week at Jasmine Road, we celebrated our 3rd annual #rootedinloveluncheon. We gathered together and celebrated what it means to belong to a community who loves unconditionally, recognizes the value of every woman, and believes there truly is no “us” and “them”.. it’s just “us”. Throughout the last 8 years of walking alongside survivors on their journey, I’ve witnessed the reality that love truly does heal. We were all created for belonging. We were created for community. We were created to love and be loved.
I am immensely grateful for every woman- survivors, advocates, allies, donors, colleagues, and supporters- I have met along this journey and for the ways we have learned, loved, and grown together. I am immeasurably grateful for this community of love we have created where all are welcome and we all have a place to belong.
#jasmineroad #rootedinlove #lovehealbloom #immeasurablygrateful #enditmovement #morealikethandifferent
6 years of being your wife! The last six years have been the best of my life. We’ve experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together, but through it all I wouldn’t change one thing about our life together. We’ve experienced life on this planet from new angles and perspectives together, whether by jumping out of an airplane 14,000 feet above the coast as we parachute to the ground or exploring a shipwreck 100 feet under the ocean and holding hands as we swim up to the surface. Everything we’ve experienced- the rush of traveling the world and sharing in ”bucket list” experiences and the heartbreak of death, loss, and infertility- we have experienced together. Our marriage has been tested and we’ve walked through the fire, but through the grace and love of Christ we have grown immensely both as individuals and in union together. I know this is still just the beginning for us! Undoubtedly we will experience many more high highs and low lows throughout our life together, but I am excited to experience it all with you, holding your hand and loving one another through every season! I love you, @davidleeblair, cheers to six years, my love!
#anniversary #happyanniversary #loveofmylife #sixyearsmarried #recurrentmiscarriage #sixyearsstrong
