Forever-

Seven years ago last month I had a miscarriage. I wasn't very far along yet I was still devastated. We had been through some medical 'stuff' and weren't exactly certain how easy it would be for me to become a momma. We were surprised and beyond excited when we found out I was to have a baby in March of 2003.

That excitement was short lived. Just 5 days after I found out I was carrying a new life, the ultrasound showed in fact, that I was not.

I can still remember the doctor telling me there was no heartbeat. I drove to work and sat in a chair at the front desk. I said "I'm here. All alone." It was incredibly sad. In those five days I thought and dreamed about this baby and seen our future together as a family.

Then the dream was over.

At that point Mr. Brick and I were active volunteers in our church's high school ministry. It was summer time and there was a late night worship activity each Wednesday. About two weeks after the miscarriage I ventured back out into public and attended that service.

I figured it was late and dark and the high school kids wouldn't know much about what was going on. I am a complete extrovert and being away from people is much more painful for me in most circumstances than being around people.

As MD started singing Forever I felt a great peace come over me. I sang along and meant the words. To this day, whenever I hear the song I am taken back to that night in the Outlet Cafe when the Lord reminded me of His abundant love and faithfulness.

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good,
He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever Forever

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever

There is a verse in 2 Corinthians that took on special meaning during this time of my life. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 says

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

I understand it to mean that when we go through certain trials there will be others in our life who have experienced similar situations. They are able to give us strength and grace and comfort, much like others gave to them. The Lord provides these people to show that we aren't alone and we will carry on. A woman from my church called me and shared her story of loss. My mom told me more about her own miscarriage. These were painful stories, yet these women helped me to know I was not suffering a pain that no else had suffered. They knew how I was feeling.

It is up to us to help those in our path that are hurting. To show them comfort and love and a safe place to rest. Especially when we know intimately the kind of pain they are feeling.

Who can you give comfort to today?
Happy Sunday~