This picture was taken last weekend before church at our church. The Advent series this year has been titled "The Christmas Picture, What's Behind the Photo?" It has been a great series!
As I look at this picture, my heart aches, two of our children are missing from this photo, yet to someone who just looks at the picture it likely just looks like a normal family with an unhappy redheaded little boy! :-) At this time of year, many of us take family pictures for cards or gifts or whatever, and behind each of those pictures there is a story. Many times, a story that could not even begin to be told by the image in the photo. I want to thank the many of you who have shared your hurts, your pain, your joys and your stories with me.
Though the photograph above is incomplete, it is also a portrait of true blessedness, I rest in hoping that one day that photo WILL be complete!
11 comments:
YOU CONTINUE TO BE INMY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!
You are so right...I could not have said it better myself. I look at our Christmas photos, especially from last year and I just feel sad. Anyone else who would look at them would not feel that pain.
God bless you.
Our family photo was never complete either. My mom buried two of her children.....one due to miscarriage and one was stillborn. This time of year, its always a reminder of what is missing in our family. Six stockings....only 4 children to enjoy them. Two angel candles burning on Christmas morning instead of two more children to share in the joy of Christ's birth. You are right, many times photos don't tell the whole story, but some day these photos will cease to be and our family photos will forever be complete!! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and are able to rejoice in the reason for this season.
Oh, I just knew reading the title what this post was about. My dear sweet friend...I can't even imagine the thoughts that go through your head each day. But I am so thankful that our God has held you tight. That you are choosing to see the blessings in all the pain. You know I love you and am praying! Thanks, always for sharing your heart.
Kristy,
With my eyes, I see four people in the picture BUT in my heart I see seven. It is because of your honesty in sharing your story, I am able to know a bit about the other three in my heart. Isaac, Asher and new baby on the way. Asking God to pour out His blessings on you this Season. Praying for you always.
Laurie
ha! I have a little boy who makes the same faces every time a camera comes out....lil' stinkers.
They are too cute. :)
Oh Kristy, my heart aches knowing this truth for you, me, Emily, and every other mother that's had a child go to the Lord before our hearts were ready.
I see pure, precious love in this photograph...such a beautiful family. Praying for you in this Christmas season as you miss your other two boys.
Love,
Susie
Very true. Every picture/family/person has a story. Thank you for sharing yours and in the process, making me re-evalute mine. God knows our past, and He knows our future. How mighty is He. I continue to pray for you and for this pregnancy. I couldn't find the right words to comment about dreaming as I can't imagine how this must feel for you. I can however, dream for you if that makes sense. I am holding faith that God is going to bless you in raising another child here on earth. Much love, Michelle
Hi Kristy. My name is Shannon. I'm Josie's mom. She was born just over two months ago on 10/8/08and went to be with Jesus on 10/31/08. I have been touched and blessed by your story as I have followed via string of pearls. Thank you for sharing.
Josie also had no cerebral cortex at birth. Her doctors think she had a massive stroke, but after she was born it was evident she had some chromosomal abnormalities as well. We, due to some time issues, did not do many tests to see why this happened to her,but we do know that she did not have and extra chromosomes, so deletions are what is assumed...anyway, this is not why I am writing. I have read your story about Issac and Asher, although I cannot find what happened to Asher. Did he also have missing brain tissue? I hope it's OK to ask. I don't want to offend you.....
What I can't get off my mind is about a next baby. I understand you are pregnant, I'm so happy for you and praying for all of you. You're doing great. You're so brave. But how are you doing it? I do trust our Lord, but my questions leave me paralized. What if He asks us to do this again, like He did you? How do you survive it? I feel like I may die everyday w/o her, I can't imagine having to do this over again. I'm not sure I could.
I hope you don't mind the questions. I just feel a bit lost, and could use some help with the answers.....
If you'd like more info about Josie's story please go to http://holdingheaven-josie.blogspot.com.
Thanks Kristy. I will continue to pray for you, your heart and mind, your sweet forming baby, and your family.
You WILL be complete. Patience for that day will be so very hard. I think about you guys a lot. What a great thought provoking post today. I never thought of a 'picture' that way. We certainly are not complete in ours. But no one else will probably see it that way.
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