Why I believe

Isaiah 9:6  (about 700 years before the birth of Christ)
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."


Luke 2:11-14
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;  he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


We may have heard these verses many times and recognized their beauty, but so much more than poetry rests in the story.  Centuries before this child's birth came to be, it was prophesied that He would come.  With the birth of that one extraordinary baby came a promise that shapes all I believe and rest in daily.  The Savior of the world, the son of God came as an infant so that I might live.  The fulfillment of this prophesy means my circumstances can not change who I am in him.  It can not change who my children are in him.

John 14:19-21
"Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.  Because I live, you also will live.  On that day, you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

I often hear "I don't know how you do it".  For me, the question has never really been how I do it, but why.  Why would I live in such a consistently demanding situation?  Why would I want Emily and Abby to live this way?  Why put my family through this?  I used to think I did it because I didn't have a choice, but there are always choices.

It may sound simple, but the absolute truth is that I care for these girls everyday, when I'm laughing or my heart is breaking because I believe with every fiber of my being that they will be healed and whole one day.  I believe it because that child born 2000 years ago said that my daughters will live with him in eternity with no need of the things in this world.  I don't think I could do this if I didn't believe. 

Their lives are so hard.  Eating is hard for them, sleeping too; their little bodies turn and they can't move them.  It's frustrating not being able to speak.  It would be horrible to walk through life believing that this was it for them, that their entire destinies rested in those broken bodies. 

Everyone deals with painful situations.  Whatever one may be suffering through; marital or financial problems, depression, affliction, disease, sorrow can so easily surround us.  What God has called from my girls is all they have to offer to him, their wonderful spirits.  It is his peace and his light that shines in two girls that have no cause or ability to try to impress the world.  When we rest in Him, it is His peace that he leaves with us. 

Almost 3000 years ago, words were spoken that promised me a Wonderful Counselor, a Prince of Peace.  The God of the universe held me in his arms and gave me his son, who shows himself to me everyday.  I can care for these girls, not because I love them (but I do), I don't even think I do this because God allowed (not caused) Cerebral Palsy in our lives and therefore called us to this purpose, I do this because I see their purpose in this.  I see that God has called them to this life of great difficulty, and I see His light in the darkness.  I feel his presence.


Abby and Grandma decorating the tree

I know that I will see these little girls I hold and carry on earth run in heaven.  I will hear their voices that I have never heard speak sing praises to their king.  I will watch them sit at the feet of that child given to us so long ago when they have never sat alone here.  I will have the joy of seeing them for the first time the way I dreamed them when I first learned they were coming.  Friends, if that isn't a reason to wake up each day and keep going, I don't know what is!


Hannah and Emily

If you are reading this and have never experienced that joy, or that deliverance from your circumstances, I pray that you will come to the feet of Jesus today.  Your savior waits for you and asks just that you believe that He is the son of God, confess that you have sinned and need his help.  He has prepared a place for you, so come home.

I pray you all have a Merry Christmas and remember what this day is about.  May you will truly experience His love today!