Wednesday, October 26, 2011

In Loving Memory of Eliza Love...

Eliza Love 
October 25, 2011
6:25 AM
5.2oz, 8.5 inches
Daddy and Mommy - Colin & Amity
Big Sister - Eleary
Loving Savior - Jesus Christ
 Where does one begin to write a story filled with such deep and passionate emotion?
Perhaps all I can do is share it from my perspective.
About 3 months ago, I was working the Welcome Desk at church with my sweet friend, Amity.  She spilled the beans that she had taken a pregnancy test and it was positive but they weren't going to tell anyone until they were past the first trimester.  Having lost two babies of my own, I encouraged her to celebrate her baby's life whether it was 50 years or just a few weeks and reminded her that her baby was a precious gift from God, one to be treasured and cherished for as long as she was blessed to have it. 
 About a week later, Amity had a scare, they couldn't find the heart beat and the doctor told her she was probably miscarrying.  A week of prayer and blood tests later, everything was fine and her baby was due to be born on April 3, 2012.  
 Monday evening I returned home from a photo shoot with kids in tow and a bag of Jimmy John's sandwiches.  Having lost my cell phone I thought I better check my emails real quick to make sure there was nothing pressing.  Tucked between photo orders and booking requests I saw an email with the subject line " Prayer Request".  It was from Colin, Amity's husband, they had been at the doctor for a routine check up (17 weeks) and the baby had no heart beat, they were going to the hospital where labor would be induced and the baby delivered.  I called Colin immediately to see if Amity wanted me to come.  He said yes, but to take my time because Sung had arrived and they were not alone. 
 Sung would be the perfect person to be there, while I had grieved two babies lost during pregnancy
I had not walked through a delivery...  Sung had.  She would be a tender and safe place to fall.  This morning as Amity and I snuggled together and admired her precious daughter, Amity said "It amazes me how God always fills in the gaps for me, how he brings people into my life right when I need them."  He amazes me too. Sung cared for their broken hearts in a way that blessed Amity and Colin deeply. 
 Eliza, which means "Consecrated to God" was delivered at 6:25 this morning and I marveled at her tiny yet perfect form, as Amity said "she is wonderfully and fearfully made".  Amity and Colin spent several hours with Eliza this morning and as the held her and each other on the bed, Amity said "I feel like we should lift her up to the Lord."  With tears streaming down their faces they raised their precious baby toward heaven and offered a prayer of thanksgiving, it was a moment my words could never describe, but I feel honored and humbled to have been able to witness it.
 Please say a prayer for my sweet friends as they grieve the lost of their baby girl on this side of Heaven, while they rejoice to know that she is held in the arms of Jesus, 
their hearts are heavy with having to let her go.  
It was important to Amity and Colin to share the story of their little Eliza Love for they know her life is not with out meaning.  I also know that it would be Amity and Colin's deepest desire for you to know that just as God created their little girl, He also created you and He loves you more than you could ever know;  and that He offers you the gift salvation through His son Jesus.

"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus in Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Hugs my sweet, friends.

6 comments:

Ann said...

My heart grieves for you both. I admire the way you honored your precious Eliza Love and I love the testimony her little life has been able to already give. I am praying for you and I know Jesus has you and your sweet girl in His loving and tender arms. God Bless you! - Ann

im2bpr31 said...

Such a powerful and beautiful testimony! Thank you Amity & Connor for being so transparent. Jesus is indeed Lord! I praise Him for bringing the precious ones he called to come along side you, and will continue to pray that He showers you will His Love.

Unknown said...

Cija, what a beautiful tribute to precious Eliza...Her life so powerfully planned that God only needed her for those precious weeks. I rejoice with Amity and Colin and weep with them as well. My heart will always be tied to these beautiful, loving people. I know that both Eliza and Angelina are safely in our Lord's embrace. God bless you guys.

Clark Family said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time.

We can never know why things happen the way they do, but know that God has a plan; Always has, and always will.

God Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

What a precious jewel in the crown of your faith to leave her at His feet. This is one fight that the enemy lost!!! May your hearts be soothed by Jesus' living water.

Unknown said...

Beautiful baby girl, never forgotten, forever in your heart. God has an angel named Eliza.