I'm An Overcomer

We are less than 3 weeks out from our baby #3's due date...August 2nd. For those of you that have been following along with our journey, Nelson was born in August 2012, Natalie was born in April 2014, I had a miscarriage with Baby #3 in December 2015, and a miscarriage with Baby #4 in March 2016. Some people may be getting a little antsy right now and wondering "why doesn't she stick with the happy pictures...this seems like too much information" but I have learned more so than ever this past year that when we share our stories, it opens up people to share their stories too. Part of how I process life is to write and this has become my outlet. If it had not been for the friends of mine a few steps ahead sharing their stories, I would not have felt so loved on each step of this journey. But because someone was real with me, I have felt encouraged and not alone and pointed to the ONE that gives HOPE while we grieve. So Lord willing, this post will encourage you with the road you are on or help you connect someone you know with me if they need encouragement along the way. 

Been thinking a lot about the labor process the past couple of weeks as I prepare for these upcoming days and weeks ahead. This time, not because I have a baby in my belly but because so much of the journey is relatable. I remember with both Nelson and Natalie, really hunkering down to get my mind and heart in a healthy spot going into their births by not listening to any negative stories or words people have to share but guarding my heart and my mind with The WORD and filling my mind with the TRUTH. In the same way, I find myself drawn to soaking in my worship music and craving time with Jesus. He is everything and all I need. He cares about every detail of my life and can be trusted with every thought I have going on. I have heard from friends that have walked this road before me that this year of all the "firsts" is the hardest...so with this due date approaching, I don't know what to expect or what it will all look like and feel like but I know that God is going to be with me and I am expectant of how He is going to be "close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18). Thankful He has given me the boldness to step up and "Be Brave" and share because so many people I know just choose to stay silent and are eaten away from the inside out with wishing someone could relate. How fitting that today when I went out to get the mail, this beautiful pendant necklace with Joshua 1:9 was in the mail. God is into all of the details. As I got back in the car from my juice date with Nelson and Natalie earlier, one of my favorite songs by Mandisa came on the radio: "Overcomer" ... I'll close by sharing some of these powerful lyrics:

"The same Man, the Great I am. The One that overcame death. He's living inside of you. So just hold tight, fix your eyes on the one who holds your life. There's nothing He can't do. He's telling you (Take a breath, don't forget. Hang on to His promises) You're an overcomer. Stay in the fight 'til the final round. You're not going under. 'Cause God is holding you right now. You might be down for a moment. Feeling like it's hopeless. That's when He reminds you. That's you're an overcomer!"