Wednesday, August 28, 2013

#StickWithIt

I missed last week's blog hop for the Women Who Say Yes to God bible study. It was such a busy week. I had several friends coming in from different states to attend a scrapbook convention with me. We had a blast! But there was cleaning and preparations for that, plus the first full week of school. So, I missed most of last week in the study (except my reading). I was behind. The thought of reading an entire week's worth of blogging and Facebook messages was daunting, but I made the decision to Stick With It! This bible study is so enriching, and I'm learning so much from it, that there is no way I could quit now.

Although, I have to tell you. Chapter 5, A Little Girl's Dance, almost did me in. I had to pick myself up off the floor after that one. I used to reach in the back seat and hold a frightened little girl's hand, too. My arm got so very tired reaching back there, but it made a difference to both of the twins. That part of the book had me thinking I couldn't go on. It was 'too hard' and reminded me once again that losing Macy was 'completely unfair', " I yelled at God for the thousandth time, "Why did you take my little girl whom I loved so very, very much?" I won't know the answer to that until I get to Heaven, but I do know that there are good things that have come out the tragedy as well.

I am thankful for so many things surrounding the tragedy. Even though I would never, ever have wanted it to happen, I'm so thankful that God gives us beauty for ashes. I'm thankful for the wonderful care I received in the hospital. I'm thankful for the support of my family and friends. I'm thankful that I learned how loved I am. I'm thankful for the new friends I made, and am still making because of it. I'm thankful that my level of empathy is much greater now. And I'm thankful that the foundation I started in her name is touching lives by giving cards to sick children. Yes, there are many things to be thankful for. I miss her so much every single day. Oh how I miss her! But God envelopes the pain with his love and with beauty for ashes. Without him I would be nowhere. With him I am a survivor.

Because of him, I can #StickWithIt in this study, and #StickWithIt in this broken life. I will never give up. I have a precious little girl waiting for me on the other side and I want to make her proud! God still has a lot of plans for me and I know that they involve using every bit of all that I've been through, for his glory. Saying Yes to God means accepting all of his decisions, even the ones I don't like or wouldn't have chosen. I know that I can rest in his promise to work ALL things out for good for those who love him. I love you God, and I want to be your Yes Girl!

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

7 comments:

  1. Amazing testimony! I love the insight that saying Yes means accepting all His decisions even the ines we wouldn't have chosen! Thx fir sharing.

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  2. Sherry, thank you for your post. I believe Macy is very proud to have such a #YestoGod mom. God bless you.

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  3. Sherry thanks so much for sharing your heart. I have enjoyed seeing you on this online bible study and getting to know you a little bit better. So thankful with you that God does make beauty from ashes and redeems even those things in our life that we don't understand.

    So glad that you are sticking with it and saying yes to God!!

    Have a great week!

    Donna

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  4. Oh my goodness! Where are my tissues? I could feel your passion for God as well as your love for your little angel in Heaven. I am glad you are choosing to #stickwithit. God is going to do amazing things through you!

    God bless!
    Michelle

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  5. You are such a strong person! I love that you are using your tragedy for His glory.
    Amie

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  6. Thank you for sharing. Your story brought me goosebumps! Beauty for ashes... what a wonderful concept. Praying many blessings on you as you continue to #stickwithit!
    Lauren, P 31 OBS Small Group Leader

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  7. I have boy/ girl twins that are almost 7, I have she'd tears for you and rejoiced for you in your love and passion for God and trusting and following Him, you are a beautiful woman of God, thank you for saying YES and sharing your heart, many blessings!

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