Grace

Yesterday morning, we had another little baby join Alethia Joy in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.

Just when I felt like my heart was starting to heal, like my mind was finally able to process all that has happened in the last 5 1/2 months, like I am learning to trust the Lord and depend on His sovereignty like I never have before, another piece of my heart was torn away again, leaving the wound fresh, open, and aching. It was one of my biggest fears happening before my eyes...the loss of another child.

Such a roller coaster of emotions--we had just found out one week ago, Tuesday, July 14th, that we were expecting again! My hopes soared and we both were just praising the Lord for the new life that He had placed inside of me--another child--not to replace baby Alethia Joy in any way--but to find healing in a whole new dimension, by having a new little life to love and to hold in our arms.
I was already counting out the number of weeks until the first trimester would be completed, I had made a Dr.'s appt. for our first ultrasound at 8 weeks, I had already calculated my guess at the due date (March 21st), and we had started to share our wonderful news with a few family members and close friends.
But once again, I found out how quickly the course of life can change in just a moment.

The doctor told me that I had what's called a "chemical pregnancy," also known as an early miscarriage. But no matter what medical terminology you choose to use, the fact is that where I once had our 2nd child growing inside of me, this little one is no longer there.
Baby Myers has gone to be with Jesus and "big sister" Alethia Joy.

I cannot express how much our hearts ache at yet another loss, but in the midst of sorrow, there is a Hope and a Peace that the world cannot give--a Peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Through this trial, God has given us so much grace. A song that was sung at Alethia Joy's memorial service immediately came to my mind: "He Giveth More Grace"

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction, He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit,

His grace has no measure;

His power has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

"Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

Though we do not know for sure,

I believe that this precious child was a girl,

and we named her Baby Grace.

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21b)