February 27, 2012.
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Saying Goodbye to Olivia Grace: In Brokenness, He Shines
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On Friday evening, we prayed for a friend who had confided in us that she and her husband were grieving a miscarriage. We shared that God can use even the bad things that happen to us; that the beauty in serving Him is not that bad things don’t happen – they do because we continue to live in a world cursed by sin – but that God can take those things and still work them out for His glory and for our edification.
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Before bed, Lisa and I prayed together – that God would knit their hearts together. That He would grant them peace and rest – and joy in knowing that God could use this tragedy to work something special in their lives.
Less than 12 hours later, we’d realize that our very own baby had passed away. Those same words typed and prayed the night before would be used to bring us comfort.
The last 48 hours have not been easy. Many tears of hurt have been shed. But we cling to each other, resting in confidence that God will provide. There are blessings behind our pain; throughout the process we were able to identify God’s shepherding hand. We clung to the promise of Psalm 29:11. He did indeed give strength to His people. He did indeed bless His people with peace.
Last night, a friend who knows the pain of grieving the death of an unborn child shared with us a song by Steve Green, “In Brokenness, You Shine.”
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Less than 12 hours later, we’d realize that our very own baby had passed away. Those same words typed and prayed the night before would be used to bring us comfort.
The last 48 hours have not been easy. Many tears of hurt have been shed. But we cling to each other, resting in confidence that God will provide. There are blessings behind our pain; throughout the process we were able to identify God’s shepherding hand. We clung to the promise of Psalm 29:11. He did indeed give strength to His people. He did indeed bless His people with peace.
Last night, a friend who knows the pain of grieving the death of an unborn child shared with us a song by Steve Green, “In Brokenness, You Shine.”
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When life becomes a shattered dream
That's slipping through my trembling hands
I need to know that You are near
To know You see each falling tear
When there is no one else who understands
That's slipping through my trembling hands
I need to know that You are near
To know You see each falling tear
When there is no one else who understands
When I can't find the words to speak
You hear the pain in each heart beat
Before I even call to You
In my deepest hour of need
That's when You come and pour Your mercy on me
Your beauty shines
Your love surrounds
Where cries of brokenness are found bring hope alive
Help me believe
And trust You one more time
In brokenness You shine
In brokenness You shine
Let comfort be a living thing
A river flowing from my grief
Where thirsty souls can drink their fill
And find in You their heart's release
And through my sorrow show Your freedom and hope
How could I know when others said
A word or two then walked away
That you, the Man of Sorrows
Would come near to stay
You'll always stay
I want to see
Your beauty one more time
In brokenness You shine
In brokenness You shine
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How those words comforted us last night.
This morning, we held in our arms God’s gift to us: Olivia Grace. We cried. We hurt. We said goodbye beforereally being able to say hello.
His beauty shines. His love surrounds.
This morning, we held in our arms God’s gift to us: Olivia Grace. We cried. We hurt. We said goodbye beforereally being able to say hello.
His beauty shines. His love surrounds.
