Florence Joan and other things
Hello!
Since the last update, a big change has occurred and it is the most beautiful one to date. On June 15th, at 11:23pm our beautiful Florence Joan was ushered into the world and has completely changed our lives for the better. It has been a wonderful 7 weeks learning and soaking up all the joy of having the most perfect baby join our family. A few thoughts have surrounded me since joining the host of mothers that have gone before and are currently around me.
“No Greater Love Than This…”
The love that exists between a mother and a child is naturally reminiscent of Christ’s sacrificial love and devotion. As a mother you are called to release any and all entitlements to your body, emotions, mind, time, energy, relationships, etc. all to grow, deliver, and sustain this life that is not your own. It is challenging and truly amazing, easily the most worthwhile thing I will ever do. I have read many things about how mothers don’t have to lose their previous life to enter motherhood. While I think there are many things about myself (my personality, interests, desires, hopes, dreams, humor) that remain intact, I fully disagree and say that, you must release and let go of the reality of your old life to usher in new life. “When I lose my life I find it in Christ”. The birth of a new flower requires the death of an old one. It is not a sad and tragic death, it is freeing, like with the death of my sin nature and the birth of a holy nature, the death of Jesus on the Cross led to life and life abundant, it’s a principle talked and walked out by those who follow Jesus. I believe that the one true living God has sown the principles of the cross into human nature; and motherhood, pregnancy and childbirth all naturally beget the image of God in that way. The ability to have joy and peace in the postpartum season, with all of its change and challenge has solely been in my decision to willingly surrender everything that once was. I have not done it perfectly, but I am willing to wholeheartedly and obediently trust the Lord with my new life, this new season with our Florence.
“Everything is slower… and done with one hand”
I type this now holding a sleeping baby in my arm. Therefore, it takes twice as long and is not without an aching bicep, forearm and shoulder. How is that time moves by so quickly, yet my life’s pace has slowed down dramatically? The peace that comes with a deep breath releasing a task that sits on a shelf longer than it ever has. It’s not my works that satisfies my babies needs, it’s my presence. Ahhhh, a sigh I hear from the father. You see, I have been hearing him whisper to my heart, “it’s not the things I can and will do for you that will satisfy your deepest longing, nor is it the accomplishment and accolades of man that I have ushered in that will pacify your soul’s cravings, it’s the still, slow presence, the constant meeting with me, the long slow nap you take in my arms, or the 45 min feeding of the word you didn’t want to stop everything to slow down and have.” Every time my baby needs food, I am required to stop, sit down, get in a more private area or under a cover and feed her… her nourishment only comes when I stop. The Father has taught me my nourishment comes that way too.
We will be up and traveling soon, Asa has already begun. This Saturday he leaves for the Send PA, Florence and I will be looking at an apartment we are praying for. This Monday Night I will lead people in worship for the first time since having Flo (we have worshipped many times in our home since however). Our best friends moved down the street and got married, we are thrilled to welcome another round of DTS students in a few months here in Costa Mesa. Gen Z for Jesus LA is happening soon, the Lord of the harvest is really sending forth laborers and we’re really seeing a harvest!
I hope you enjoyed reading this and that the Lord whispered to your heart as he has been whispering to mine.
