Unplanned Joy
Several months back I wrote a post about unplanned joy and the blessings I found through an unplanned pregnancy. If there is one thing I know after 46+ years on this earth, God does not make mistakes. I could not help but share this sweet story of hope today.
If you are a regular reader you may remember in January our cousin lost her husband. They were high school sweethearts and had spent the last 15 years building a beautiful life together and were blessed with four beautiful daughters. I can only imagine the loss and loneliness she feels on a daily basis. The thought of dealing with my own grief while guiding my daughters as they process theirs is just overwhelming.
Put yourself in this spot for a moment. Widowed at 36 years old raising a 13, 11, 3 and 1 year old. Tough card to be dealt and a total change in your plans. Now, imagine a month after the shock of your husband’s death, finding out you are pregnant. This is where this sweet momma found herself.
The day she told me I laughed and I cried. Our prayers shifted as we begin praying not only for her and the girls and their grief but for the health and safety of this new little baby. This baby that will bring new life and hope and joy to their house after such a tragedy.
This past Sunday the big sisters hosted a gender reveal party. The envelope was sealed the day of the sonogram and only they knew the secret. They did such a terrific job and for a day in their life there was joy to be found as we all gathered around to support this little family.
Every last detail was perfect. They decided to handle the actual reveal with confetti stuffed balloons which mom would throw darts at until she found the right one. Super cute.
Their sweet invitation encouraged us all to wear the color for what our guess was and I’m telling you after four girls I was definitely wearing blue! Carly Jo was sure it was another girl and y’all she was right! We are tickled pink to be adding another girl cousin to the mix.
Thankfully this mom has been raised by a strong, compassionate, Godly woman and her faith in him is strong. While there were so many smiles and laughs and joy over this sweet new addition, this mom went home to a house where she missed her husband. I know that there will still be many tears for these girls but God is with them. He has shown there is hope in tomorrow and despite our tears we can still find joy.
Holly shared a link with to some wonderful bible verses for woman in need of love, reassurance and strength and you can find those here. I know for certain this particular verse is so true of this momma’s heart.
God is within her, she will not fall – Psalm 46:5
Please join me in praying over this sweet family.
Linking up with all my Thursday favorites and all the weekly faves here.
Thoughts for Thursday with Home of Malones & East Coast Chic , Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Thank Goodness it’s Thursday, Inspiration, This is How We Roll, Shine Blog Hop, Three Things Thursday with Kristine @ The Foley Fam, Megan @ Absolute Mommy, Nay @ Coffee-N-Ink, Party at My Place with Grammie Time
Love this post. I truly feel for your cousin, and can't even imagine her situation. It is so easy to get wrapped up in a comfortable bubble when life is going as planned. This is such a valuable reminder that life can take a turn at any moment…we need to appreciate all the blessings we have!
Tears in my eyes as I read this post. My heart goes out to this family, but I rejoice in their faith & hope in the Lord. And that they are surrounded by such a loving extended family.
I will be praying for her:)
Praying for this family. Xoxo.
O my, my eyes tear as I read this post. God's ways are not our ways, and He always knows what He is doing. Prayers for all.
She definitely is a warrior! And it reminds me of the quote "God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called." If anyone can walk this walk with her head held high (and look absolutely stunning while doing it!), it's her! Will continue to pray for this sweet family!
This brought tears to my eyes as well. Will be praying for this sweet family!
What an awesome story! I'll be praying for this sweet family and can't wait to read more updates about them!
Oh my word! God definitely has a plan for each and every one of us. Will keep this beautiful family in my prayers …..He has bigger plans for them then even we know.
Wow, I can't imagine the joy and sorrow she must be feeling. She is lucky to have you by her side to help her through this difficult and happy time. Prayers for you all, and especially for your sweet cousin and her beautiful girls.
This post gave me chills. Prayers for your sweet cousin. I had an unplanned pregnancy myself at 20 years old, and now as I look at my beautiful 16 year old daughter I know she was anything but an accident. God's timing is perfect.
Cutting onions over here! This was so special. Praying for your sweet family and new blessing!
Thank you so much Leah!
That is so true Emily! And often times we don't think we are ready or don't think we are strong enough but he knows we are.
Thanks so much Amy!
God's plans are always greater than we can even imagine. Thanks Kim!
Thanks so much friend.
Thank you so much sweet Lauren!
Love that….so true. So many times I know I've passed by an opportunity feeling like I'm not qualified instead of listening to God urging me to take a step.
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much friend.
Kathy thank you….means so much!
Thanks so much Cathy!
So true Tanya…we just never know what tomorrow holds and I'm so guilty of failing to see the blessings today.
what a beautiful and strong woman. My goodness, I literally can't even imagine. I am sending all my prayers and positive thoughts to that sweet lady, her babies and you and your family. xoxoxoxoxo
Simply Shaunacey
thank you so much sweet Shaunacey!
Joy and sorrow here. If I knew this was coming I would have saved it till tomorrow to read. Now I will be going to sleep imaging all sorts of stuff from this share. Wow, it makes you wonder at life sometimes. Definitely will keep this lovely family in prayer.
Thank you so much Michelle! It has definitely made us think so hard about God's timing. True joy and hope for this little family. She is just the most precious thing and my heart hurts for her.
What an amazing story. God is just so amazing. I will be holding her up in prayer.
Thanks so much Beth! I know she is feeling the prayers. Bless her heart she is just mentally and physically exhausted.
Wow! What an awesome thing to share! Sending positive vibes and prayers!
Thank you Jessi…I just love this little family so.