We had Thomas for 41 weeks last year. I carried him for 39 weeks, and we were able to love on him for fourteen days. We experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows through our sweet baby, and we will never be the same.
I have always heard "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4 NIV), but I have never really understood what it meant. Now I think I am starting to get it.
The Message version of the same verse says this: "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."
According to the cliff notes in my Life Application Bible, "'Blessed' means more than happiness...'blessed' means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances."
I wish things had happened differently with Thomas. I wish more than anything that he was still here. Losing Thomas hurts, and I will miss him every day for the rest of my life.
While these awful circumstances could have left us bitter, miserable, and ruined.....they haven't.
We are grateful to have been given that time with Thomas. Through God's grace we have been able to experience hope and joy in the midst of our crisis. The Lord has bound my heart to His like never before over the past six months. We are already noticing some healing in our hearts, and we are hopeful that 2012 will bring more of that. We are looking forward to what the new year holds.
"Come near to God and he will come near to you."(James 4:8 NIV)
You continue to inspire me with your faithfulness. God Bless you and TJ.
ReplyDeletePaula Smoak
I so admire your strength!!You are absolutely one amazing lady!!!
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you and TJ.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
- Jen Santorum
So inspired by you.
ReplyDeleteDana Putnam Burkhart
Thank you for encouraging and inspiring us all. May 2012 bring you more peace, JOY, and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI love this. And I'm praying for you more than I can say.
ReplyDeleteMy dear sweet Mel, you will heal a little every year but there will be times that you need to mourn again and that will also help in the healing process. Carol and I were cleaning yesterday and I opened a bag that I didn't remember what was in it. Inside the bag was Isaac's carrier, small toys and his pacifier. We did ok until we saw the paci and we both broke at the same time, so we embraced each other and cried a while and remembered what it was like to be grands for the first time and it was good for both of us. We do praise Jesus for the time we had with him and look forward to seeing him again as you two look forward to seeing Thomas. We will never forget you being there with us at Greenville for the four and a half weeks. Never forget that we love you and cherish your friendship and I do plan to come see you someday. Much love!!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, do you know how your Holy Land Tour brought the Bible to life by putting real places in your mind's eye that are in Scripture? You and your family have done the same for all of us by allowing the very heart of Jesus to be lived out through you in these months with Thomas. You have not just quoted Scripture; you have lived it, and shown us all the power, the love, joy, comfort and strength; wisdom and peace.... the real DIFFERENCE that those Words can make.... in the best, and in the worst of Life. Living Words... God breathed! Thank you for allowing Him to use you as His vessel. Because now.... we get it. We have seen HIM... alive in you... through Thomas.
ReplyDeleteYes, Thomas.... what a great life he lived! For a "good life" is not measured in time; it is measured in its impact for Goodness. What a big little man, your son. :)
I love you.
Donna H
I am praying that 2012 brings even greater healing and grace to your sweet family :-)
ReplyDeleteYou two are simply amazing. I pray 2012 heals you. Forever praying. We love you Dr Behm!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Thank you for continuing to inspire and bless me through this blog. Prayers for you and TJ for continued hope and healing in 2012 and beyond. Much love!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I hope you have a very, very beautiful 2012 with much happiness and love!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I will con't to pray for you and Tj and my prayer is being answered as I read your Blog!! U are giving God the GLory he soo deserves and I think He will honor u with your commitment to him!! I love u and TJ and hope to see you soon!!! HUGS from Easley!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you. May you see His strength when you need it most.
ReplyDelete