Ella

Ella is the first and much adored grandchild of my dear friend Joann. Emma's pregnancy had been tracked and monitored by specialists for months as complications had been diagnosed in baby Ella's tiny little intestinal organs; they were growing outside of the baby's body yet still were contained and nourished within the framework of the womb. Ella was born on January 5th only to have to submit to immediate and numerous surgeries. There was an army of prayer warriors at task who had also been tracking this precious mom and dad, baby and family. they were hard at work. I was honored to be one of them.

Now here we are in April. Those big brown eyes of Ella's are filled with an undaunted courage and unrelenting fight to stay on course as mom and dad, who have been so steadfast in their endeavors for their precious baby have finally been able to bring her home. Ella is not out of the woods, not will she be for many many months. There are surgeries yet to come, she is attached to machines and monitors, and has full time nurses on board. But she is alive and loved, so loved by so many and maintaining. She is truly one of those "in time" miracles that God has placed before our very eyes. For we have watched as the ride has escalated and then found neutral ground....over and over again. But her parents remain faithful, her grand mom has accepted the position of dedicated servant on all fronts and they move forward in hope....and we all continue in prayer.

I have watched from the sidelines as they have embraced this loving task of caring and loving this precious one who has been handed down from God above. I have heard the stories which have been filled with true grit and loving concern. I have watched as God has answered one prayer after another in spite of the worldly pretenses that surround them. For God can do anything, he can accomplish whatever it is that he deems beneficial to his glory and in our recognition of his power. This little one is precious, I have yet to see her in person but have seen clips of her on video, and my heart is touched and warmed each time by the commitment that I know has been dedicated to helping her to grow strong and caring for her moment by moment monitored needs. She is loved and adored and prayed over in such a way that she is truly immersed in God's glory, shining in his reflection to all who are watching.

This has been, and continues to be a journey that is filled with hope, tethered by prayer, and embraced by faith. It is God's story first and foremost, but it is their story as God is walking with them in his garden of hope. He is strengthening them in their faith, and teaching them to rely on Him and not on circumstances that teeter day by day. I can not imagine the energy, the focus, the restlessness, the dependence, the emotions, the decisions, the wear and tear on mind body and soul, the exhaustion, the love, the support, the concerns, the conflicts with insurance, the inadequacy of machinery, and the day to day turmoil that must go along with this journey. But I can imagine a God who is BIG enough and able enough to compensate for all of it. Our God who not only has has the loving means to guide, to counsel, to strengthen, and to carry his children but who initiates his intent on every front. He has given them all that it takes in wisdom, in strength, and in perseverance and in loving adoration and devotion to continue to embark on loving and caring for Ella, this precious child who has been given to them by God himself.

What have they learned in this short few months:

1) They have accepted what God has given them in appreciation and a devoted love for this baby,
2) They have advanced forward in their hope.... doing the best they can under the circumstances, and learning each day new lessons
3) They have just taken the next step....and have laid the rest of the journey in faith
4) They have realized the strength of prayers...even when they have been to weary to pray on their on, others have lifted them up
5) They have become more and more dependent on God, knowing that he is the only true one who holds the ultimate answer to healing of this child
6) They have learned to be steadied advocates, and be bold in their approach to counterparts who must maintain excellence
7) They have sacrificed every moment of their lives for the benfefit of someone they love more than theirselves.
8) They cherish each moment of this day....as they watch their precious Ella grow in strength.
9) They are thankful, for the blessing of this baby, and know that God has sent his angels to watch over her and that already she had made a difference in their lives that will last a lifetime.
10) God uses all experiences to bring us to himself.....be there trials or opportunities and he has blessed this family, all of them with the tiniest of babies, and oh what a rush of God's love she has brought with her.

The following few verses are on hope...a Godly topic that brings soothing relief to a troubled soul.
Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 33:20
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield
Psalm 52:9
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Lamentations 3:25
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
Micah 7:7
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Romans 5:3-5

3 Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.


Dear Lord, It has been a true blessing and encouragement to all of us who have followed this little life, and watched you hand of mercy and healing be upon her. May you continue to fill this family with a hope that exceeds understanding, a faith that is rooted in confidence in you, and a continued perseverance that builds the character that you have purposed. And God bless baby Ella as you grow her. For she has not uttered a word and look at the wake of recognition she has tilted your way. Thank you Lord, Amen


Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!