I have shared this before, but I feel the same way today:
11 years ago today, I was 31 weeks pregnant with Claire and
had just spent the night in the hospital. We were sent home
very early that morning, and I was put on bed rest.
As I laid in bed, unable to get up or get away, I watched
the plane hit the second tower, live on TV.
I remember the next few days as a blur of crying, fear, disbelief, shock.
Mostly, I remember praying and asking God how I could
bring a baby into this world. What would happen to her?
What kind of world would she grow up in?
I was so scared of what her future might hold.
As the days turned to weeks, and months and years,
I still go back to those same questions:
How can I bring a baby up in this world?
What kind of world will she grow up in?
Except today I have a different answer.
Today I know that she is here to make a difference in this world.
This side of heaven is not always easy. It is not fair. It is not just.
But it is so full of possibility. Full of opportunity.
I believe that we have a chance today to make a difference.
We make a difference in the lives of our children.
We raise them showered in the Grace of our loving God.
We teach them to practice peace and kindness.
We keep them by our side, as we serve those in need.
We make sure they are rooted in faith and truth,
and then we let them go.
I believe today that my baby, the baby I was so scared to
bring into this world, is going to do amazing things.
I don't know exactly how God will use her, but I have faith that
it will be in beautiful and wonderful ways.
Lord, I pray for peace. I pray for your protection
from evil. I pray that you guide our hearts and our
actions as we go out today and everyday to
proclaim your love and serve in your name.
Amen
