Monday, June 8, 2009

Peace of Mind

(Added June 10, 2009) Honestly, I had hoped I wouldn't have to even write about the following situation, but I'm afraid it could be negatively impacting the legitimate, selfless efforts of Amy. You may have heard about the "April Rose" blog ordeal. I am not going to get into all of it, but the bottom line is this: A very disturbed individual portrayed herself as a pregnant mother carrying a baby who was not going to live. This woman was embraced by a community of grieving mothers who wanted to support her. If you would like to know more about the situation go here or here. After this, I will not spend any time on the topic. This woman needs help and prayers. She is clearly not well. That said, I am concerned this could deter people from donating to Amy's Peace of Mind Fund. Amy and I have been in contact, and we agree that it would be unfortunate for those who really need our help to suffer because of the actions of one very sick individual. We can't allow the actions of one person to erode the hope and faith of others.

God winked at me Saturday morning. That wink was the catalyst for my last post. On Saturday, I posted about what God winks are. Now I'm going to tell you about how He winked at me.

Friday night I went to bed angry. I don't like being angry, and I can tell the difference between anger and passion. Most days, I am passionate about politics. But Friday night, I was livid. When I first began blogging, I made a promise to myself that passionate venting would be okay, but I would do my best to let anger subside before ever posting. Friday night, I went to bed instead of blogging. In my prayer before bed, I asked God to help me get over my anger. I prayed specifically, because I have no doubt that God answers specifics. I mentioned to God that I was going to blog about those political things that were so upsetting to me....unless I woke up Saturday morning with something better to write about, unless I woke up to thoughts more important than those political ones running through my crazy head.

Saturday morning when I woke up, I wasn't angry anymore. I thought over the list of political issues that I had allowed to upset me the night before, and I just didn't have it in me that morning. So instead of posting, I checked my email.

A blogging friend of mine,
Amy, had emailed me. Amy's first child, Alexis, was stillborn January 15, 2009 due to a cord accident. Just a few short months ago, this 24 year old mother buried her child. And do you know what her email was asking? It was asking if I would be willing to help Amy in her efforts to support another grieving mother. She simply asked that I share her latest project with you. This amazing woman, still in the throes of her own grief journey, is focused on easing the burden of another. The pure love of Christ, there is nothing greater. And I knew in that moment, God was winking at me. There was definitely something better to write about that morning.

When Amy found out she was having a baby girl,
she began making bows for Alexis. Although Alexis will never wear the bows made by her sweet mother, Amy continues to create them with love and care for others. This is where you and I come in. Amy's friends, Natalie & Rob, have also felt the devastation of stillbirth. Amy's words are far better than my own, so could you please go here and read about Natalie & Rob. Find out what you can do to help ease their burden. If you make a donation (even just one dollar or two) you will be entered in my giveaway. I am not trying to pressure anyone, just acting on something that touched my heart deeply. I was only 23 when my daughter died. I know that it doesn't matter how old you are when you lose a child, the pain is horrific and your heart is ripped to shreds. But I do think I feel drawn to Amy and Natalie because they are young mothers, just as I was when Victoria was stillborn.

You could be the lucky winner of one of Amy's adorable creations. If you don't have a daughter young enough for one of the headbands, you could always give it as a gift. Just be sure to leave me a comment letting me know you donated (I wish I didn't have to do this, but I'll be checking with Amy to make sure you did, in fact, make a donation...thanks for understanding.) Also, if you add the Peace of Mind button to your blog, you get an extra entry! Be sure you tell me in your comment if you added the button.






Two headbands=Two winners!

Remember a few weeks ago when I wrote about being a "doer", about getting things done in our own little corners of this great, big world? Well this is a way we can get something done. I often hear people speaking with great cynicism about efforts that only help one or two out of the millions suffering. But my feeling is that we have to start somewhere. And while I may not be able to bring peace of mind to every mother out there, that won't stop me from helping the one person I can. With a little effort, from a lot of people, we can give comfort to two young parents who have suffered greatly. And Amy, thank you for showing such strength and courage in the midst of your own unimaginable pain. I know Alexis is proudly looking down at her mother, and I don't think it's too far-fetched to believe she and God are both giving you a little wink.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post. I'll head over to read about Alexis. And I love the idea about God winking! xx

jen said...

I don't know what to say.
When I read that Natalie is due the same time that I am, I just couldn't resist.
Every birth is a miracle, none more appreciated than those hard-fought.

Mommy (You can call me OM) said...

Thank you for letting us know about Amy. I'll head over to her blog as well.

Peace, my friend.

Karen said...

I just wish I had more to offer. Thanks for the heads up!

Got the button posted the first try! Maybe I am getting the hang of all of this.

Don't you love it when our Father in Heaven answers in a way that brings peace to our hearts. Thanks for the God wink.

Unknown said...

A very worthy cause.
I've been thinking a lot about winks in the last few days...
thank you. ♥

Lori said...

I am so proud to call you friend!

Susan Anderson said...

Donation made...Prayers on the way.

I hope Natalie has peace of mind to spare. And I love that you called our attention to her.

=)

Fiauna said...

Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I'm going to go check it out.

Em said...

i need a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shauna said...

I have such a heart for this cause and for any family who has suffered this loss. I donated, added blinkie and am grateful for strong women like you and Amy, who choose to serve and lift one another up despite there own trials. Thank you for letting us be a part of such a great cause.

SnarkyMama said...

Sorry...I have been MIA since returning from my visit to "crabby land." (literally, Maryland has a whole lot more "crabs" than the ones you eat!)...Actually, most of the people acted like they were going to eat me! Scary...

(Disclaimer: to those of you who live there who do not fall into this category, I apologize and I am truly sorry you have to suffer, especially Snarky's friends who were precious)!...

So, ANYWAY, after some severe chastisement from the Belle, herself, here I am....

This post made me cry, thanks! You know when I leave your house I am sad anyway. Snarky Papa says he wonders if he should let me visit b/c it "makes me saaaaaaad" to leave. This time not so much, though! I know y'all will be very close very soon!

I read about Natalie and Rob. I am donating...you know I will. A funny thing happened the night before you posted this...someone you love very much who is expecting their first child after many many years of trying and many many years of heartache came to me and wanted to "know" Victoria's story....she said that during that time she was not there and now that she is older she is sad that she was not there. She said there were so many missing "pieces of your puzzle" during that time and she wanted some answers for her to "be able to see that time in your life." (Sounds just like her, huh...she is so visual, imagery is very important in her life, which Princie and I totally get!)

Anyway, we walked through every minute from the Disney World trip when you were so excited to that Wednesday afternoon when Paul H. Dunn (pre-embellishment days)was speaking at the Stake Center to September 25th, to "Victoria's Day" to pretty much today...

At the end of the conservation, a kazillion tears, and all that comes with this subject we talked about how your life was forever changed, yours, the Captain's, ours...everyone who loves you........How your life has become such an inspiration to others. How you touch people in ways none of us could have ever imagined 13 years ago.

With that said...I think you are one of "God's winks" on this earth..He uses you to "wink" at others, letting them know someone cares, someone listens, and most importantly someone will do what they can to help ease the burden...

I only wish there could have been a "Snarky-Belle" available to "wink" at you...but, then again, when I think of "Victoria's day" and I remember the "breeze"...I realize He did just that...He, himself, "winked" that day.......I know it..and somehow you have found your "peace of mind."

I love you...........never fear...
Snarky Mama is baaaaaaaaack!!!!

Carly said...

What a sweet post, and a fantastic cause. I've made a donation, and snagged a button for both my blog and my private family blog. And I can assure you I didn't do because my little baldy would look adorable in a headband, since she now throws them off with impressive force once she realizes she's wearing them. Oh well, it doesn't stop me from trying nearly every day.

SnarkyMama said...

Oops..that would be at the "end of the CONVERSATION" not conservation...my brain has turned "green" after being up there with all the tree-huggers...just kidding, just kidding!!! :)

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Thank you for posting about Amy and the beautiful work she's doing! Since I have a house full of boys, I don't need to enter to win any bows (although they are adorable!)...but I am going to go over and check out Amy's story. Thank you also for your encouragement.

Love to you,
Kelly