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.