Sunday, March 12, 2017

God Sees

"I don't know what to do! Tell me what to do!? I think I'm going to cut my tether and run."

Wait, wait, wait....slow the information train down. 

I hadn't heard from Sweet Mama in over a month; the last few conversations we had were difficult ones. She discovered she was pregnant, again, and waffled between abortion, parenting, or asking us to parent. She admitted it was an uncomfortable conversation to have with me (I agreed), but she had no one else to turn to. 

I mostly listened while my insides screamed.

"They put me on a tether and if I don't have a permanent place to live TOMORROW, my PO is hauling my a** to jail. I can't do it. Not again. Not pregnant. I am going to run. Doesn't that seem like the best choice?!?!"

After I was schooled on why she was tethered, what a PO is, and why shelters aren't an option, I asked if jail was the worst multiple choice answer. I couldn't think of a kinder way to say it, so I just went for the punch-in-the-face approach.

She lectured me up one side and down the other for such a suggestion, but all I could think about was dependable shelter, meals, and medical care. 

I can't relate to most of her experiences and pretending isn't genuine, but I care for her deeply and do my best to listen to the Holy Spirit so that I can give her godly counsel.

She asked if I would wire money to help secure housing. She was desperate and I could hear it in her voice. But I said no.

I pleaded with her not to run and tried to paint a picture of what that would mean for her and her baby. It was well over two weeks before I learned her whereabouts.

She didn't run. She did go to jail. And she lost the baby.

I felt immediate relief on all three accounts and then I heard (really heard) the shake in her voice and I saw a picture of her heart.

It is so important that we, intentionally, remove our natural lenses in such situations because despite our best efforts to love generously, we are tarnished by experience and influence. I didn't share this story for a long time because I didn't want anyone to voice the same unfiltered thoughts that I had.

Yes. This baby was rescued from a life of risk and separation...but at her mother's expense. Does one life hold more value than the other? 

Imagine the loss.

Three babies born to Sweet Mama were removed, brutally, by the legal proceedings in a courtroom - and while I did my best to keep their memories vivid and alive - there was never a goodbye. 

Now there is a fourth. The details are different, but the loss is the same. Life on the inside; barren on the outside. 

I've spent weeks thinking about the severity of Sweet Mama's circumstances and the mix-match of our stories. Her heart is shredded...yet she doesn't give up. She, stubbornly, holds on challenging others to defy her will. I see so much of her daughter in her. They are fighters; survivors. 

I feel the feels when I think about Edith and her story. Named by her mama - reward of war. The truth in it is chilling.

Somewhere in all the darkness, Sweet Mama has a flicker of hope.

She hopes for a kinder life. The chance to love and mother and know peace.

Do you know what her name means? 

I only looked it up, today.

God sees.

God sees her. He knows her comings and goings. When she sits; when she stands. Even when her thoughts are afar, he knows them. He loves her so much that he called me - the mother of her children - to see her, too.

...and I'm doing my best to see her as he does. Whole and worthy and of priceless value.



Who has God asked you to see?




10 comments:

  1. My heart aches for her. I pray that she will one day see the Lord as her Redeemer and Saviour.
    I love reading your posts. Seeing your heart for others through your words and knowing that it's so easy to become angry and frail and yet time and time again I see Christ continuing to give you strength, and I love it. I have learned so much from you in my own walk with Christ and being a mother to my kids. Thanks❤

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  2. Does one life hold more value than the other? That is the question we all need to be reminded of over and over again. It reminds me of the book and movie The Shack. God sees all of us as his children and is "especially fond" of each one of us no matter what we have done or will do--because of Jesus. If we could only see each other in the same way.

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  3. Saying prayers for sweet mama that she will hear God and feel her own value. Saying prayers for her sweet 4th baby, and always keeping you and your family in prayers. Keep up the good work faithful Servant. You are a beautiful example of unconditional love (even tough love) and kindness.

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  4. I want to comment but I can't find words to express what I feel. Thank you for sharing. Praying for Sweet Mama, that she will find peace that only comes from knowing the Lord Jesus. May God bless your sweet family and continue to use you .

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  5. Thank you for your heart and truth. It's evident you seek the Lord in all things. I'm in a very similar situation to you it seems... I've always prayed for their momma to know the Lord adores her as much as she and I adore her children and that her life is worth so much more than she knows!

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  6. Love your heart reflecting Christ's....
    Was checking in for a more recent update! Praying all is well! Hugs from Mari in Canada

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  7. Hi Rebekah.. my name is Kerri and I am a long time follower of your blog. I just wanted to check in. I also wanted to let you know that I am thinking of and praying for you in Colorado. I hope all is well.

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  8. Hope everything is well :) Love your writing and miss hearing about the kids' journeys. Blessings to you all!

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  9. I hope things are going well. I keep checking back for updates. I think of you and your sweet family often for what an amazing job you are doing raising those beautiful babies <3 Blessings and happy school year.

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  10. Missing you... would love an update!
    Mari

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