Wednesday, October 15, 2008

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day


Click on the banner above to go to the official website and read more about this special day


The month of October has, by U.S. Congress, been declared National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day and today, October 15th, has been set aside to specifically memorialize infant loss and pre-term loss of pregnancy. This day is near and dear to my heart as I'm sure it is to many of you reading this post.

It has been one year, seven months, and eight days since we lost our first baby almost nine weeks into my pregnancy. It was the hardest time of my entire life. My heart breaks for those who must experience this kind of loss, especially when a baby is wanted so badly.

Despite the many numbers of women and men experiencing a miscarriage at some point in their marriage or life, many still feel very alone in their experience.

Please click on the banner above and explore other sites to learn what this day is all about.

And, take a moment to pray sincerely for those who have miscarried or lost babies due to stillbirth or SIDS. This is one of the most painful experiences couples face, especially those who have trouble conceiving and when they do, end up losing the baby.

Here is a passage that calms my fears when they start to bubble up. The entire psalm is amazing, but I have blackened the parts that are particularly soothing. Blessings to each of you!

Psalm 34

(from The Message bible)

1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.

2 I live and breathe God;
if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:

3 Join me in spreading the news;
together let's get the word out.

4 God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.

5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.

6 When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.

7 God's angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.

8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.

9 Worship God if you want the best;
worship opens doors to all his goodness.

10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
but God-seekers are full of God.

11 Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.

12 Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?

13 Guard your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.

14 Turn your back on sin; do something good.
Embrace peace—don't let it get away!

15 God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.

16 God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.

17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.

18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.

19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.

20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.

21 The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.

22 God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out.

5 comments:

  1. My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry.

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  2. I'm so sorry you have something to remember on that day!

    But what a testimony to God's grace you and Richard are! Even in the midst of loss, you have reflected the Father's love.

    Hope to see you soon.

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  3. Ahh Charla I miss you. Every time I think of thing in this world that I want more than anything else, I think about you and pray for you and what you want more than anything else.

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  4. Thank you for posting about this special month and cause. We lost our first pregnancy in late 2001. When I look into the eyes of our sons I get a glimpse of the child we never knew. I love the Psalm. It is perfect. You are Spirit filled and an awesome witness to God's enduring love.

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  5. that is a great way to remember all the mothers and fathers who have lost their little angels. you are so strong and i look forward to rejoicing with you!!

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