When David Neal was born I got a nice card from a family
member with a picture of Jesus on the front holding a lamb. Inside the
card read "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather
the lambs in His arm, He will carry them close to His heart and will gently
lead those that have their young." Isaiah 40:11. This was a
well-known verse, one I had read and heard sung many times. But that
time, as a totally overwhelmed brand new mom, it hit me right in the heart. I was
the one with "young" and God was promising to not only help me, but
to do it gently--quite an encouragement for a newbie. That verse was one
I went back to again and again through David's babyhood and again with Aaron's.
Fast forward six years...we came to China to adopt Megan.
She was a "special needs" baby because of her cleft lip. Three
months after bringing her home she had lip-repair surgery. It was one of
the top four worst experiences of my life (this trip is tied for number 1).
About two days after surgery as she was recovering with a swollen,
bloody face and restrained arms, I was walking her in the stroller which was
the only place she could get any sleep. I remember clearly. It was
a hot, hot, humid August day, I was just down the block from our house,
listening in my ears to a sermon on.... Isaiah 40.
At the time I was exhausted from caring for this
post-surgery girl, we were still trying to get the hang of being outnumbered
with the three kids instead of just two, it was REALLY hot but I had to keep
walking or else she'd never sleep, I was totally depressed and defeated and
then the preacher preached straight into my brain from Isaiah 40:11:
"He gently leads those that are with
young," he read. "Do you get that?! God gives SPECIAL
CARE for SPECIAL NEEDS!"
Rarely has God spoken so clearly and directly to me as at
that moment. The fact that the preacher had used the adoption lingo of
"special needs" as I'm walking my "special needs"
daughter dealing with my own numerous "special needs" pretty much
stopped me in my tracks.
I'm giving you that background story because God has, once
again, brought that verse and that lesson to my mind a LOT this week. He
will not only give special care for Josie's special needs, which are many, but
for MY own spiritual, physical and emotional special needs, which are also
many. And He hasn't just promised that to me. It's for everyone.
The family member who sent that card to me over nine years
ago? David's grandma, Josephine. We named Josie after her.
Their name means "God will increase". Josie's middle name
is Grace. Little did we know when we named her how much we would need the
reminder...every time we call her name. That God will give special care
for her special needs and to all of us an increase of His grace.
more statues |
even more statues |
hotel "children's palace" (not very palatial but she likes it--so does David) |
fun in the palace |
more fun in the palace |
yay!!! our people have returned!!!!! (good thing, David and I have run out of things to talk about...) |
This was so beautiful Julie! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe your with the Lewis'.
It brings tears to see you all together.
Praying for you!!
Love, love, love seeing you all together. That must be a breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteLewises and Melillis!!! GOd is so good to you all, He knew you would need each other in China, He knew. I still remember that first meeting at my house...and who would have ever guessed that you would be in China together??? Only God. He's loving and good. I love this very special post. thanks, julie!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful name, beautiful verse, beautiful Savior. Thanks for sharing this part of your story, Julie.
ReplyDelete