Why We Call Our Blog the Miracle of More

The miracle is a beautiful image of Ephesians 3:20--more than I can ask or imagine. Every day is a miracle. Every moment is a miracle. Specifically for our family, the miracle of more is our family growing in ways I would never have imagined when we first committed to adoption 8 years ago. But, the greatest miracle is the change in ME!

If you have questions about adoption, our work in South Africa, or spina bifida, please email me at rbmattox@bellsouth.net

Monday, April 12, 2010

Memorial Box Monday--Words from my Granny



I've had this post rolling around in my head for over a week, and was further encouraged to share when I learned of another's heart ache. Today, when I told the girls I was going to share a story with them at bedtime, their questions encouraged me even more. They wondered if they would be part of the story.

This Memorial Box story begins when Stan and I had been married just four years. Stan had ALWAYS wanted children. I was the spouse who said, "Wait." I wanted to finish college first.

We were finally expecting our first baby.

He was excited.

I was, too.



Six weeks into my pregnancy, I began spotting.



After five days of bed rest, I miscarried.



I was grief-stricken.



Another of those stories, before there were cell phones. Stan was driving a truck, and I had no way to reach him. I had to wait ALL day long for him to come so I could tell him. Devastated and heart broken, I had my cousin who had been staying with me make several phone calls. I sent word that I did NOT want to see anyone. I only wanted to talk to Stan.


Hours went by.


Sometime in the afternoon, I heard a car drive up. I hoped it was Stan, but it was my Granny. And, I admit, I was ANGRY. I did NOT want to see anyone, not even her. I went to the door anyway, and I don't know what she read in my face.

But, here is what she had to say:

"Robbie, I'm sorry. I've waited as long as I can wait. I have to tell you something. I've been thinking all day. I have to tell you....if I hadn't lost my first baby, I wouldn't have had your daddy."

Let those words sink in.......

No Daddy, no me....

And, had I not miscarried, I would not have found myself pregnant three months later with this beautiful baby.

And, she would not have grown into this beautiful girl

This beautiful girl who encouraged us, and prayed for a baby sister....from China...

And, this baby girl would grow



and ask for a baby sister.


And, the more I pondered those words from my Granny, the more I thought of God's sovereign plan for our family. I remembered that Caleb and I both nearly died in child birth. Fifty-percent of all mothers with the complications I had don't live. Fifty-percent of all babies don't make it either. Statistically, one of us shouldn't be here. But, God had a plan for this darling.




He knew that the baby born to this mother....



was one day going to be without a mother. God knew that Caleb needed to be here to be Brandon's friend, so he could place Brandon in our family.



So, in our Memorial Box, I am placing this



I want my children to know that God knew them in their mothers' wombs. He knew the plans he had for them. He planned to give them a future and a hope. He chose the perfect time and the perfect place for their birth. He chose the paths they would take to become a part of our family.

And, that plan is PERFECT!

11 comments:

Sarah said...

Beautiful post. And so true. Hard to see at the time, though, isn't it?

If I hadn't miscarried, I wouldn't have A1. And if it hadn't taken 4 years to have A1, I wouldn't have scoffed when the doc asked me about birth control after A1. And if I hadn't scoffed at the birth control, I wouldn't have had A2 exactly two years later...

Who knows where the story goes from here... only God does.

Tim said...

Thank you for this very thoughtful post.

While I can only imagine the circumstances that our daughters endured to come to the orphanage, I know that in the grand design both they and we are blessed.

jasnjoj said...

Oh, Robbie - I'm just sitting here crying! Thank you for posting this - we all need to be reminded about His sovereignty. NOthing slips by Him. Nothing surprises Him. He has it all under His control. And He is good. Thank you, Robbie!

Beach Mama said...

Beautiful story and tribute to God!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Beautiful. Just beautiful. I had better plan ahead with tissues the next time you do a memorial box Monday post. If we wouldn't have struggled with secondary infertility, we wouldn't have our Josie. I didn't understand at the time what God had in plan, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Terry said...

You made me cry, in a good way.

Goodness and Mercy Mom said...

Oh, big tears here. So true. I had 3 miscarriages and one stillbirth that were heartbreaking. But I also have four children now who would not otherwise be here, without those losses. It's so hard to see God's plan when we are grieving and broken, but His ways are truly so much better than ours.

Thanks for sharing this very special Memorial Box story.

Much Love,
Kathie

Kat said...

That brought tears to my eyes. God's hands guiding and directing. It astounds me and you show the beauty of God's sovereignty....

Renee said...

What an absolutely beautiful story..what a precious family you have....Is't God's love amazing?
So glad you shared this with Linny...so we could read it too.

www.myautumnyears.blogspot.com

Amy said...

Oh, I love it! God is good!!

Amy

Anonymous said...

Amen, Robbie!
love,hollym.:)

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