If you asked Joy Belle today, what do you want to be when you grow up?, she’d say, “The queen.” She’s got dreams that are based on wearing a crown and beautiful dress, but they’re dreams. And as her parents, we’ve got dreams for her future too. Dreams and hopes that she’ll run, dance, prance, skip, hop, and swim like a totally healthy and healed little girl – in just weeks to come. That she’ll do it all without pain or scarring and with complete healing.
And while they’re dreams and hopes, our faith is strong that God is in control and knows the deepest desires of our hearts. He knows how my heart aches for my baby girl. He knows my fears, my anxieties, my feelings as a parent.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
The days ahead may not be easy, and I am sure there will be days we are all frustrated with the circumstances. But in those days, I want to be reminded that God loves my children more than I could ever. (Hard to fathom, right?) But it’s true! And He not only loves them large, but He is faithful and trustworthy. He will see us through.
A friend shared this quote with me this week and I feel lead to share it with you, “There is so much to fear in this world, but when we come to fear and trust God more than we fear pain or trust our ability to control life, we will find freedom and peace in our parenting.
As the psalmist said in Psalm 56:3-4, ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me [or my children]?'”
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On Monday, February 19th, Joy Belle will undergo surgery to correct her right, clubfoot. I ask that you please pray for her – for her fears, her to have peace and to be brave, to experience no pain, to have no side effects or reactions to medications, for her to take her pain medicine, for her comfort in the weeks to come, and that she will have a quick and complete recovery. Please pray for the the surgeon, Dr. Bruce, and staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. May God bless him, guide his hands, and that he be alert and precise. Please pray for me and Justin, as we are scared. (Ahem, I am scared.) Pray that God gives us the peace that surpasses all understanding; that we will be brave and strong for Joy Belle.
We are forever grateful for the immense amount of prayer you all have provided for our family. We definitely feel the prayers and are thankful for each of them and each of you.
For updates on Instagram, you can follow me at @heapeoflove or #aheapeofjoy and I’m sure I will be updating my Facebook group too.
