A Bundle of Joy...

I seem to be surrounded by pregnant friends or friends trying to get pregnant.  And although I don't have kids of my own, I absolutely love the excitement around pregnancy and the joy that comes with being a mom.  However, I find it interesting to watch mothers-to-be often contain or hide their joy and excitement until they deem it "safe" to share with the world.  And while I understand the fear embedded in the many uncertainties that come with pregnancy, I wonder if fear is stealing our joy at times.

I have a friend who has miscarried more than once in the past; she lost a baby late in pregnancy and hasn't had a baby survive through delivery.  I can't even begin to imagine how difficult her pregnancy journey has been.  It's been hard enough to watch her live it.  My heart breaks for her.  And I cover her in prayer regularly.  However, I have watched her transform her pain and loss into hope and it has been absolutely amazing.  She's pregnant again and she refuses to let fear of losing another baby steal her joy in the experience.  I rarely catch up with her outside of social media, so I'm not even sure she realizes how incredibly inspiring she is to others.  I've shared her story and her journey with friends struggling through the same fears.  She posted their pregnancy test results the day they found out.  She said every day counts for them so they were basically breaking the rules regarding waiting to tell people.  They waited in the past and it didn't impact the end result for them.  So they are taking a different approach and it has been beautiful to watch.  They've shared excitement in every step of the journey and although I imagine they do hold onto fear of the unknown, she's not letting that steal her joy.  I wish all my pregnant friends could come to this realization and not hold back the excitement and pure joy that should come with having life form inside you.  Heck, I wish my non-preggo friends would realize how often we let fear steal our joy in everyday life.  Because at the end of the day, bad things are going to happen.  The great news is there is nothing that will happen in this world the Lord will not see you through.  He will be your strength and perseverance through the bad experiences   And its how we persevere through the bad times in life which make the greatest impact.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

​This is a great reminder for all of us.  If we live in constant fear of the many "what ifs" in life, we lose out on enjoying life.  So cast your fears to the Lord and soak up the journey.  Celebrate the here and now and leave tomorrow, well...for tomorrow.

I should probably add a small disclaimer that I have no idea what it feels like to lose a baby or lose a child.  I don't even know what it feels like to be pregnant.  However, I've stood by many friends who have miscarried and I've cared for many dying babies in the hospital setting.  And there is an unique heartbreak in putting a dying baby into the arms of a mother or father when your entire job is to make their baby better.  So I confess, I'm writing these thoughts from a tender place of observation and not personal experience.  For those parents who have gone through this horrible experience, I understand fear is very, very real to you.  I'm just sharing an outsider's perspective and admiring one mother who has seemed to conquer her fear to live out her joy.

So don't miss out on the joy and excitement in life waiting for something bad to happen.  And to my many pregnant friends...I am praying for you on this beautiful journey.  

Pregnancy, babies and bundles of joy, 

Ashley Lucille