Grace Leigh

As I sit up in bed during Em’s 3:00 feeding, my mind wanders.  For worriers like me, this can be detrimental to my happiness and peace.  Only since the past year, I can picture  in detail horrible things happening to my family in a matter of seconds.  It’s like a dream but in real time, while I am wide awake.

Thankfully, the Lord has taught me how to combat these anxieties through the Word.  But that is a whole other post in itself!

However, there is one thing I wanted to share:

After walking through my own tragedy, I realize that the next one could be around the corner.  Admitting that to myself has shaken me.  I realize that God may allow another tragedy to occur in my life at any time.
But rather than live like a “crazy mom,” being extremely overprotective and worried and depressed all at the same time, I choose to remember the main lesson I learned through the loss of my first baby girl at eighteen weeks pregnant.

 It is wrapped up in five simple words:  But He Gives More Grace. (Jas. 4:6)

Grace Leigh Stokes was a gift.  And it was only by His grace that we were able to let her go and continue living.  Therefore, we named her Grace.

Do you have a list of what-ifs?  Here’s mine:

What if we lose another child?   But He gives more grace!

What if I lose my job?  But He gives more grace!

What if my mom or dad dies?  But He gives more grace!

What if I get cancer?  But He gives more grace!

What if Andrew dies?  But He gives more grace!

God’s grace will abound during tragedy and broken hearts. 

It is sufficient. It is everything to me. 

(Originally written June 29, 2012.)