My heart is full. There is much I want to say. But my vocal chords are too swollen to accommodate. My precious granddaughter fights congestion in her lungs as she fights a condition her almost three-week-old mind can’t fathom. The minds of her parents, grandparents, friends, and those of the Body of Christ who are praying for her are also having a difficult time comprehending the answers to the question: Why, Lord? In a strange way, I feel closer to her as I fight the effects of the smoke filled air in California that has taken away my ability to breathe and speak freely. I am strangely silent.
There is nothing like suffering to make academic and theoretical matters very personal. Nothing like suffering to force one to contemplate the weightier things in life with eternity in view. Nothing like a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to change the colors in the palette of life.
So, as I have been unable to communicate easily these past few days due to laryngitis, a weak internet connection at my motel, and a sizeable geographical distance from my son and his family as they deal with this medical crisis, I have poured out my heart to God. That line of communication, praise God, has remained open during all hours of the night. How glad I am that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Yet, there is much for which to be grateful. A son who is demonstrating he knows what it takes to be a husband and father. A daughter-in-law who is willing to be weak so that the Lord can be strong. An 18-month-old grandson, too young to understand the medical issues surrounding his baby sister, but who still manages to make his parents smile and provide them with joy. A medical team at UC that is helping little Ellie fight her infections and breathe. Prayer warriors around the country who have placed this precious child and her parents on their list of petitions to God Almighty.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Consider it all joy, brethren when you encounter trials and tribulations. For the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endureth forever!
For he that will follow me must pick up his cross daily.
Children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them.
Who sinned Lord that this man was born blind? He or his parents? Neither….but so that the works of the Lord may be made manifest.
- Andrea G. Schwartz
Andrea Schwartz is Chalcedon’s family and Christian education advocate, and the author of eight books including: A House for God: Building a Kingdom-Driven Family, The Biblical Trustee Family: Understanding God’s Purpose for Your Household, Empowered: Developing Strong Women for Kingdom Service, Woman of the House: A Mother’s Role in Building a Christian Culture, and The Homeschool Life: Discovering God’s Way to Family-Based Education. She’s also the co-host of the Out of the Question podcast, the Chalcedon podcast, and has an active teaching schedule with women and high schooled students.. She can be reached at [email protected].