A few months ago, a precious woman from Antioch contacted me about speaking at their Christmas Ladies' Luncheon this past Sunday. As I began to pray and prepare about what the LORD wanted me to say, several things went through my mind.
"It's too soon. What an honor! It's way too soon. I need to do this for Reese. I'm not ready for this. What a opportunity to meet some wonderful women. I don't want to go there right now. How amazing to share about her. What in the world could I possibly say to these ladies?"
With all these thoughts bouncing around, the LORD gave me wisdom through some friends' words without them even knowing...
"They need a word of hope, just like others have been an encouragement to you."
"Find a purpose. Live with passion."
"We are called to be faithful."
With these words in mind, I started writing. During the afternoon while Colson was playing on his mat, I would type and cry and type and cry some more beside him. I felt the LORD leading me to speak about hope and healing.
The women were so warm and welcoming, and the room looked like a winter wonderland. So beautiful! I was even able to eat lunch and talk with the other ladies at my table. For a moment I would forget I was the speaker. Ha! I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was so nervous I couldn't think about doing much extra. I even thought about hiding in the bathroom until the lunch was over. ; )
Mom & me
My MIL Trish came, too. She told me she would hide behind an artificial tree if I wanted her to, but it didn't come to that. Thank goodness!
I brought this picture of Reese so the women could connect who I was talking about with her sweet face.
a new blog friend Kati
another new blog friend Jordan
I met some wonderful women, some who have lost children. As I listened to their stories, I was again reminded how treasured each of us is t0 the LORD. He counts every tear. No matter what we have been through, He values and cherishes us! I loved hearing their hearts.
The song Healer by Kari Jobe has ministered to me greatly over the past 16 months. It's about what is true, believing in GOD, and how He heals.
One of my favorite things about Sunday was saying Reese's name so much. This made me happy. ; ) Most days I would give anything to be "normal" again, but GOD had different plans for our family. Reese has changed us, and I'm so proud to be her mom.
Jason, Z, and Colson had some fun "male bonding" time, too. Ha! He did a wonderful job watching our wild boys all day. ; )
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13
20 comments:
Amazing Katie...you are a true inspiration! And are truly brave and so full of faith and strength. I have long admired your way of opening up and grately appreciate you sharing your life with us.
I KNOW you did a great job and you did bless so many. Look out! Going to be on a world tour soon!!
So proud of you Katie...you are so strong. Such an inspiration to us on a daily basis! Thank you for sharing with us :)
I admire you for your willingness to be used by our Lord. You continue to radiate His glory and honor in ALL you do! You are a true inspiration!!! Bless you for following hard after HIM!!!
You did amazing, Katie! You delivered such a true message of hope and healing. I was so blessed and I can tell you, many ladies are STILL talking to me about it. The Lord used you. Thank you so much!! It was so great to meet you!
Jordan
Just amazing! What a great way to honor Reese while inspiring others.
Katie! I'm so glad you did that!! I know that God was your strength during that time. Thanks for always being an encouragement in my life! You're amazing.
I went to Ouachita Baptist with Kati. It's nice to see friendly faces that we both know!
I also wanted to let you know that I'm going to start on Reese's plate that I told you about forever ago soon and very soon. I'm so very excited about it.
Awesome!
I am so proud of you for speaking. So many have been and will continue to be touched my your story.
I see you one day traveling around the country and sharing your testimony...and maybe even writing a book. God Bless YOU!
Oh, Katie, what an honor for you! I know those women were blessed just as much as you were blessed to be able to share sweet Reese’s story!! Love you, friend!!
So proud of you friend. I know you were amazing, I would have given anything to have been there. Come to Waco and speak to our Antioch!
Reese's ministry knows no bounds does it? What a chance to share what God is doing in your lives.
Hey Katie! I am a little behind but I just read your last few posts and the one about the bows and decorating the tree and I just cried! My heart aches for you! I just cannot tell you how touched I am by the bows. As you know I work in the NICU so that just touches my heart even more. I get to see tinies everyday and I know that those parents of those little girls will be filled with the joy of your love and Reese's presence. I love your heart! I just love you! I am so proud of you for being able to lean into Him and have the strength to speak. I know it was tough but you followed God's call and are living out Romans 8:28. Precious.
I had heard you were going to speak and I was so proud of you. I know it wasn't easy but you have such a story to share.
We were talking today in Bible Study about the story of Lazarus and Jesus clearly tells Martha and Mary that sometimes we go through hard things so God can get the glory.
I even shared (without saying your name) of a friend who had lost a baby and we may never understand but you have given God so much glory and your witness has touched so many.
I wish I could have heard you!
Katie,
First off girl I am so incredibly proud of you! I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been to write out your speech yet at the same time I am sure it gave you peace in your heart to be following the LORD, Helping others, writing about PRECIOUS REESE, and hearing Colson cooing in the background! Can I just say girl you look great and if it wasn't for that little cutie you have you couldn't even tell you were pregnant, um secrets please LOL....
That is so funny your MIL said she would hide behind the fake tree if you wanted her too LOL, that sounds like something I would totally do for a friend...haha
OK so I just got such terrible news today, my heart aches from it, then I read your blog and you are so inspirational to me and I just know I will get through it!
I sent a package to you yesterday, hope you get it soon
love ya
Sums
Katie, it was so good to meet you and visit with you at lunch! It looks like Rhyan and Zach would have a lot of fun together! I really enjoyed your testimony and hearing you share about Reese. God is being glorified through you both. Your strength is inspiring! Thank you for your willing heart and for blessing mine!
Johnna
So neat that you could minister to others by sharing your story!
I am so proud of you. I can only imagine how hard it was to stand up there and share your story...Reese's story. You're taking something so painful and giving Him the glory and I know that pleases Him greatly. Well done!
I am so glad it went well! Merry Christmas!
Your testimony is encouraging to others and glorifying to God ... I really enjoy reading your blog! Thank you for being a willing servant of the Lord!!
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