{gAtHeRiNg Of HoPe}

This might look like like some random, and insignificant collection/project of an avid crafter/wanna-be-artist......but it is indeed so much more. Each one of these hearts represent the life of a baby that was taken away into the arms of the Lord. Too soon for us left behind, but just in time for the ones now there celebrating.

This past Saturday night, I had the immense honor of being part of of something breathe taking. The hospital where my son was "born", has never had a memorial service to bless the hurting families of infant loss, but also give a place where those babies could be celebrated, grieved for, and remembered. This breathe taking event was very appropriately called,
The Gathering of Hope.

My lovely friend, and the very one that took every precious picture of my sweet boy, Amy, was the vessel from which God laid on her heart to reach out, share and create this night for these families that she has spent some very intimate moments with. She is a volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, but she is so much more. She is my dear friend. She is an angel.

The night was filled with Jesus in so many more ways then I could accurately describe. He was again there, real, and moving on HIS behalf! (There is no one else in the world that can be ALL ABOUT THEMSELVES and have it come off so OK! Am I right?! He is so amazing!)

Hearts were moved and yet still. Eyes were crying, but seeing hope, babies were being remembered and yet have never been forgotten! I for one, am a very proud mommy of an angel saint baby! I think we all had a bit of pride that night. Those babies have taught us more then we can really explain. They have been part of the potters tool chest to help shape us into His likenesses. For so many of us, these sweet babies are the very reason that we sprint into the arms of the very God that holds them so tenderly close to Himself now.

Each of these ornaments I made for those left here to grieve. But the gift that these babies have left in the hearts for us that are grieving, is above and beyond any tangible object or thing. It is likely the very thing that has ushered us into the throne room with the King. For now only in our spirit and mind....but one day to be redeemed to reality. These small lives have undoubtedly changed who we are forever, and hopefully for the better. I pray that as the days and weeks go on, that those that attended that are not walking with the Lord will ask themselves, WHY AM I NOT? Like what on earth else is there?

GOD...YOU ARE HOLY AND GOOD. I PRAY NOW THAT YOUR SPIRIT WOULD ENCOMPASS EACH HEART THAT WAS THERE. THAT YOU WOULD SEND ANGELS TO PROTECT THEM, SERVANTS TO SERVE THEM, AND THAT YOU LORD, WOULD SING OVER THEM AS THEY SLEEP. THAT THEY WOULD AWAKE WITH YOU ON THEIR MIND AND IN THEIR HEART. MAY MANY COME TO SERVE YOU, AND REMEMBER THAT THE ULTIMATE GATHERING OF HOPE WILL ONLY TAKE PLACE AT YOUR FEET, IN HEAVEN.

AS THEY HOLD THEIR BABIES IN THEIR ARMS!