This year has not turned out as I had planned. Much like 2014. Except this time we are ALL in this together. And the losses I am feeling are not so deep for me personally. But that doesn't make our collective experience any less painful. But it also doesn't diminish the renewed hope I found in 2014. All of this disruption to our plans...it is SO reminiscent of our life in 2014. What God's plans were and what my plans were were vastly different. I keep waiting for the world to go back to normal but just like in 2014 the idea of normal has forever changed. And although MY plans would never include the death of my child or a global pandemic, the things I have learned and the person I have become during the transition to this "new normal" are not something I want to erase. I've grown and stretched beyond myself and God has allowed this to draw me closer to him once again.
On April 10, 2014, at 2:31 in the morning, Jack Andrew Martin was born. Our lives were forever changed that day, as life always is with the birth of a child, but saying hello and goodbye at the same time changes you in a different way. BUT, even there in that hospital room holding my child that would never be able to come home with us, God was with us. He was drawing us near. He overwhelmed us with peace in that room. He carried us during the moments we couldn't move on our own. We were not left alone. And God continues to cling to us and draw near to us even SIX years after Jack's birth and death. He gives us precious family and friends who include Jack and remember Jack in so many beautiful ways. I've included two pictures that I received within the last year that include Jack's bear. The sweet gift that the hospital gave us that we cherish even 6 years later.
I am thankful for talented friends...
...and family! This is all of the grandchildren (including Jack's bear!)
This year Jack's birthday falls on Good Friday. The commemoration of Jesus' death and Jack's birth and death fall on the same day. And of all days we Christians call it "Good" Friday. But I love what Jay Wolf (author of Hope Heals along with his wife Katherine) has to say about this day "If the day Jesus died was eventually called "good" then maybe one day our worst days will be called "good" too." And 6 years after Jack I can certainly call it good. Meeting my son, holding him, kissing him, and knowing God's presence during all of it was so good. God has made something broken into something beautiful. He healed Jack and healed us as well. He did not leave us or fail us. He loved us enough to allow us to meet our beautiful child, he surrounded us with the love of family and friends, and so many people have done so many good things in our world in honor of Jack's life. And on this Good Friday we have the special reminder that we are not Friday people- we are Sunday people! We do not stay and wallow in the sadness of Good Friday- we move forward and we rejoice in the celebration of the empty tomb! In the Risen Savior! In the son that is healed and whole and safe! So if you are in a Friday place in your life, just keep going, keep moving towards Sunday. Because Sunday is coming and it will be beautiful!
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
-1 Peter 5:10
As always we encourage people to do something GOOD today in honor of Jack's life. In the time of quarantine that may look a little different this year. Write someone a letter, send someone a fun happy mail, or donate to the Big House Foundation. We love what Big House does to support foster children and families in our area and each year we donate to their swimsuit and towel drive. This year they are having a fundraiser for their very own building- a place of retreat for foster families. You can donate to that HERE.
Another local agency that is near and dear to our hearts and will be impacted by the current financial crisis is our local food bank. We encourage you to donate to the Food Bank of East Alabama or to your local food bank. With children having to stay home many of them are missing out on their breakfast and lunches that were provided for free at school.
Another local agency that is near and dear to our hearts and will be impacted by the current financial crisis is our local food bank. We encourage you to donate to the Food Bank of East Alabama or to your local food bank. With children having to stay home many of them are missing out on their breakfast and lunches that were provided for free at school.
