(…here's my main point…)
As I began wrestling with this new discovery, God gave me the most amazing privilege of seeing how He ties everything in our lives together. Most times we don't get to know, this side of heaven, the tie-in, but by His grace, He revealed this one to me. You see, infertility has been the most painful trial of my walk with God. It tested my faith and pushed me to the brink of many emotional breakdowns. It was a point of surrender, giving up and saying, "Okay, God. I trust you. We'll do it your way."
From that time, God blessed us with three incredible children. They are literally gifts from God. Jessica, Cory and Olivia are blessings, each with an amazing story of how God brought us together to be a family.
In light of my medical status, I see now that God again "had my back" on this one. The cancer gene would stop with me and not be passed to my children.
Romans 8:31-32 "What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
I stand assured today, even in the midst of cancer treatment, that God is for me. There is no worry about the "Arkansas water," only tremendous hope in my family lineage. After all, I am a child of God.
What a wonderful and sad story all at the same time Lori. So did you adopt your children? Is that why you didn't pass the gene on? I don't know the history that far back.
Soo true Lori! What and encouragement!!! Romans 8!!
It is amazing seeing how God works through our lives and who, why or what He chooses for us is for ultimate good. I'm so thankful for you Lori. I am so thankful that God used my situation and turned it into a blessing for you, which in turn has been a blessing for me (Rom 8:28). I have been able to share hundreds of times, our story, because of Jess' name tattooed on my arm….everyone is so curious. I've been able to encourage and witness through that. He is our loving God! I trust always that he knows best. I pray that when more trials come that I would fight the good fight, finish the race and have kept the faith! Amazing to see His mercy, grace and love intertwined through His people and their lives.
What a beautiful chapter in the story of your life, Lori! What a gift YOU are to all of us! You're so encouraging! Thank you for your blog….I just LOVE it!
Every time I read your blog I am encouraged – deeply so – because you are so real about your struggles and so revealing in the hope God brings to you. Much blessings to you, Lori!
Yes, Ladywise, we adopted our 3 children. They are our miracles!! Jessica is 14, Cory 10 and Olivia, our little "summer surprise" is 3. Each one has such a great story. I'd love to tell you about them some time.
Thanks Wendy!! I feel like I need to stop and write a book about each of my kids. Hah!
I am so thankful for you!!! Yes, God is amazing!!
It IS a beautiful chapter! Thanks for your beautiful words! YOU are so encouraging!
Thanks, whazupkas, for reading along and being so encouraging. I love that you're following my blog!
The exciting thing is to know how genuine your faith in God is! These are not just words on a page, but real life experiences. Your faith, 20 years ago, 14 years ago, 10 years ago, 3 years ago and yesterday continues to be strong and flourish and encourages everyone you come in contact with. I know because I am one who has been touched by your faith, your story, your life! <3 you!
Thanks Deb!!!!