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Sunday, April 26, 2015

Celebrating Every Life



I can clearly recall the excitement that our first baby announcement brought 21 years ago. Everyone was thrilled beyond words. Why is it that baby number 1 is welcomed with so much fanfare? Maybe even baby number 2, especially if it’s the opposite gender of the first. A few people are comfortable with number 3, but that’s generally where it stops. How are subsequent babies any less the wonderful and amazing creations of the living God?

I speak from firsthand experience how devastating the remarks can be of other people, especially Christians, when announcing another pregnancy. Really, Christians of all people should be those that rejoice at the promise of new life, not scorn it like it is something to be ashamed of. After all, I am happily married and allowed to have children!  God is the one that has formed a life that can only come from Him. Anyone who knows the pain of miscarriage or the ache of barrenness will acknowledge that life is not something they can control. Why then should many children be viewed in a different light?

We live in a day when children are no longer viewed as a blessing, but a burden. Babies make you lose your figure, forego your free time, lose all of your savings, and maybe even your sanity! It just isn't responsible to keep having children. I know, I've heard all the arguments. Many of my children weren't “planned” by me. They may have come at an inconvenient time in my estimation. But do you think for one minute that God made a mistake? God never has to say, “Oops, I didn't mean to make that one.” Instead the Bible affirms that He thought of each one of our children before they were even formed in the womb (Psalm 139).

I have been tempted to hide my last few pregnancies with those outside my immediate family. Ironically, our children are always ecstatic at the news of another baby. So although each new little one doesn't receive much excitement from those outside of our home, each additional baby is more loved because there are so many open arms and hearts waiting to embrace them inside our home.

Mothers, we shouldn't fear what those around us say when we announce another pregnancy. It is a shame that others cannot share in our happy news. It seems much easier for them to feel sorry for us or make nasty remarks. I know, I have been at the receiving end many times. But as I grow older, I am learning to be bolder and to share how children are indeed a blessing, no matter what the circumstance you find yourself in! I’m also learning that you can never encourage another mother enough when she is pregnant. She needs to hear that she is beautiful, that the sickness is all worth it and that she is doing the most important job ever, even when it's often hard. The last thing she needs are rolling eyes or unheeded advice... 

I am so thankful that God has chosen to bless us with 10 beautiful children and the anticipation of another precious life on the way. Is it always easy? Definitely not. Are my pregnancies always painless and trouble free? Umm, hardly. Does it cost money? Yup. Is it a sacrifice? You bet. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely! Every life is worth celebrating. Baby number 4 or 5, 9 or 10, 13 or 14 shouldn't be any different than the first time we announced a new baby! It is time for us to value life for what it is- a beautiful gift from God.


"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3

3 comments:

  1. Well written, and so true! Whether it's 1 or 20, they are all great. We think you are VERY blessed!

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  2. Beautiful, Tamar! We're so excited for you all!!

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  3. My sentiments exactly, although I probably would have put it into rhyming verse. ***wink, wink***

    The picture of Addison (so cute BTW) holding the blackboard announcement has created an unforeseen huge problem. I mean HUGE. One that you never would have considered. I mean NEVER!! Luckily for you, you have me to point it out to you. Now that you have this really cute catch phrase (Rhyming too) for this upcoming eleventh child, WHAT could you possibly write that’s better if God should bless you with #12. It’s catchy phrase sparked my (absurd) imagination. That’s right. You NEVER thought about THAT, did you? Wait? Did you just roll your eyes at me!!

    Let me try and help you out. What are friends for? Hmmm? If children are measured in inches then in my family we’re a ruler. No? Too cryptically metaphoric? Ah? Maybe a rhyming one: Into the treasure of gifts God will delve, He’s blessed us with #12…? Eh?

    Ok, well, maybe not. Lucky for you there’s still time to consider the possibilities.

    Linda

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