Monday, December 21, 2009

Burden

These past few days, or maybe it's weeks, have been really difficult, and I've found myself burdened by a couple of things. And no, it's not the 20-22 inches of snow that fell this past weekend.


First, I am just missing Isaac so incredibly deeply as Christmas draws increasingly near. I know he would be so captivated by our neighbor's lights that "dance" to the music on a local radio station... by the ornaments hung on the tree... or by the gingerbread men that we've made. He'd be old enough that we'd be able to start talking to him about the real meaning of Christmas, and perhaps he'd at least start to associate "baby" (Jesus) with Christmastime. Anyone who has experienced significant loss will tell you that the holidays agitate their grief. I was talking with a woman last week about how her mother died fourteen years ago... and the holidays are still really hard. I guess it's the times when families gather together that the fact that there's someone missing from ours feels even more pronounced. And I can feel that ache in my heart... that ache for my son who isn't here... just grow.


Secondly, I have been incredibly burdened with all that is going on in Congress (specifically the Senate right now) with health care reform, and the impact that proposed legislation will have on federal funding for abortion. In no way do I desire this post to become a debate; but I do feel a burden about this. If you haven't seen it already, John Piper has created a wonderful video that stemmed from one of his sermons back in January of this year in response our current administration's stance on abortion. I love this video because it boldly proclaims truth... but also extends grace.

Would you please join me in praying for our nation's Senators as they are currently voting on the bill, as well as for all members of Congress and our current administration as they continue to iron this out. Would you also please continue to pray for us as we're just missing Isaac so much these days.

Thanks...


Click here to watch.

Please pray as our nation's leaders continue to work out this new health care plan, and for conviction in the hearts and minds of these leaders.

22 comments:

Jacksmom said...

Stacy, I am sure that the holidays are incredibly difficult. While I know it is hard to be missing Isaac and feel his absence so profoundly, I really hope that next year's holidays will be a little bit brighter with little Eliana around. I know you will still miss Isaac, but hopefully there will be a better balance between the grief you will feel, and the pleasure of seeing your little girl marvel at the lights and trees.

I am also not happy with the current health care reform proposal specifically where federal funding for abortions is concerned. I pray that they can resolve this issue.

We love you and are looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

It is so true that that "missing" place is so evident as we gather our families. While it has been many years since my Faith, Grace, and Thomas went to heaven...I think of what they would be doing each Christmas. And...the loss of my mother three years ago is still so raw...and felt more intensely during the Christmas season...her favorite time of year.

I am also very burdened over what is happening in our country with healthcare and other issues. Praying for Godly wisdom to prevail in the hearts of those making decisions for our country.

And, as always, continuing in prayer for you...

Much Love,
Kelly

Jen said...

I cannot even begin to know your pain or burden with the loss of your little boy but I do understand the burden of missing someone this time of year! I lost my mom 7 years ago and the holidays starting with Thanksgiving are always so hard for me! I just miss her so much! Thanks for letting me know I am not alone!

I watched the video and all I can say is WOW!! I will pray for the leaders of our country! It is scary with what they are trying to push through!

Praying for you!!

Jen

Franchesca said...

It is definitely harder since Christmas time is upon us. I miss my Jenna terribly I am ready for Christmas to be past. I will be praying for your heart during this time without your precious son, Isaac. I am so sorry for your loss.

Also, thank you for sharing that bit of news with us. I had no idea. I will check it out.

xx

Sonya said...

The holidays are incredibly hard and I am sure that it is not just Christmas. At least for me it isn't. Even ones like Valentine's day get me! I will pray for you and Spencer and the rest of your family during this time. Remember that Isaac is celebrating with Jesus!! How awesome is that?!?!?!?!

{:miss v:} said...

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing.

Cara said...

While I pray for you during this season without Isaac I also pray that people do not impose their religious beliefs on the abortion debate. A woman's right to choose is not something that should be debated in the halls of congress! And sticking in some backdoor amendment to restrict current laws, that have been in place for years, is not noble, religious, or moral. I pray that people are allowed to have their opinions on this but keep it out of government completely!

Holly said...

The holidays are definitely harder. I've noticed that I am getting agitated more easily and it doesn't take much to make me want to just cry. I guess it's something I'll have to get used to from now on.

I am praying so much that proposal does not go through.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I have never seen that John Piper video- amazing, so powerful!!! Thank you for sharing!
Nicole

Emma's Mommy said...

Stacey, I have been very reflective lately on what is going on in our world lately (specifically the Senate and their idea of Health Care Reform)along with looking at my own life. I was telling my husband that I am soooo very thankful for what we have, but at the same time, I am missing beyond belief what should have been this year. It is definately a mixed bag of blessings.
Thinking of you this holiday season!

Whitney said...

This is our first Christmas and I do know what you mean. It is so hard. I miss my Isaac too. Praying for you guys!

Suzanne said...

Stacy, I have followed your journey from the beginning. You often mentioned wanting the medical professionals working with you to respect your choice to continue your pregnancy with Isaac despite the prognosis. Continuing your pregnancy involved additional insurance costs that were likely spread across payers who might have chosen a different path were they in your shoes. Isn't it important that every woman have the same opportunity to make the choice she feels most at peace with, even if your own choice might be different?

Shannon said...

Suzanne's comment captured exactly what I was trying to find a way to put into words in a respectful and tactful way. Thank you.

Emily said...

Suzanne and Cara couldn't have said it better. You were able to CHOOSE what was best for your family (by carrying Isaac to term), please be respectful of the right for other women to choose what is right for their family.

Anonymous said...

I have read about how in the UK and Canada, people have been denied certain procedures, scans, etc because they are not deemed severe enough or urgent enough in particular cases.
Some people could argue that the government shouldn't be funding abortion while others could argue certain care not be provided to the terminally ill, or those with little chance at life because of cost effectiveness or its not medically necessary, not urgent enough.

Once A Mother said...

praying for you as you miss your sweet child, and for us all in terms of the healthcare bill proposal. these are such scary times, thank you for being brave enough to ask for prayer... our country needs it.

Michelle R. said...

Thanks Stacy for posting that video. It is so powerful and true. And may we never forget that the life we CARRY inside us is not a life we OWN.

3boysmom said...

Praying for you this holiday season. I cannot imagine what you all are going through. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.

I too am sickened by what is going on with this health care bill. I've never been so concerned about what is going on in our country as I am now. I've been spending lots of time in prayer over it.

Gottjoy! said...

The holidays are bubbling up a lot of emotions for me, also. But God is good and I will continue to lean on Him. I will pray that for you, also, dear one.

And thank you for asking for prayer about the Health Care reform. We are very concerned about this. My husband and I have served on the board of our crisis pregnancy center and have been actively involved for years. Continuing to pray for Godly wisdom for those making those decisions.
Blessings...

Anonymous said...

Don't let anyone's ungodly words distract you from that fact that you didn't take a life, even when some said it would be "easier". You let Isaac live and I know you will never regret that. We both know that life is given by God and should only be taken by God. It is not our choice! It is not a gray area...it's just plain wrong to kill a baby. I can't wait to see how proud God is of you when we all get to heaven! You are an amazing child of God! Praying for you.

Lily Dawn said...

Praying for you and your family during this time~ Your beautiful Isaac is spending Christmas with Jesus, but I know it is hard to not have him in your arms.

I am thankful that although I legally had the choice to end my sweet Evie's life(and many doctors believed I should) I chose to carry her and was able to spend 36 precious weeks with her. I got to hold her and kiss her and have pictures with her, and I have peace knowing that God took her home on His time, not mine. I couldn't imagine living with the grief of ending my child's life, but I pray often for those who do. God Bless your honesty =)

Anonymous said...

There are so many unwanted/unplanned for pregnancies that end up with mothers giving birth to children who are later abused, abandoned and living lives in poverty which have profound effects on their future health and mental health. Not to mention the lives of babies that will be born with severe disabilities that would subject them to a quality of life that would be full of pain and hardship. Is it not compassionate to look at these outcomes of 'living hells' and suffering children and give pregnant women a chance and choice to do what is in the best interest for their own health and that of an unborn fetus?