My First Public Video - A Dramatic Reading of Isaiah 40

 Bible readers may know what I'm talking about - sometimes a passage benefits the reader more when it is read aloud. I was doing that today as I studied for this evening's Bible study. As I talked out loud about the background of the Bible book, and then did the reading (I like reading scripture out loud with what many call drama; to me it is trying to capture the essence of what the writer and Holy Spirit were feeling as words went onto the scroll.  That was when a kernel of an idea (maybe Holy Spirit inspired?) came to me:  make a video. It was impulsive decision, whim, but why not? Definitely not a professional product in a studio lol, but it is a start. So, I put up my room divider, tried to make myself somewhat presentable, hooked up the camera and started talking. See the result below. Your feedback is welcomed! God bless!

https://vimeo.com/636636203 

To All the Saints - A Testimony on the Loss of a Loved One

 

In Facebook I follow the “Listeners of God’s Word” group. Granted, like any group of this 'genre', there is a range of beliefs and nonbeliefs. Although I had been following the group for a while, the crush of work and related activity kept me away from FB a lot so I only saw postings infrequently. This summer as work slowed, I ‘happened’ on a recurring post called “Hannah Grace’s Journey”.

While there are often requests for prayers on this FB group’s page, this story was different, not in its content, but more so in its intent. 

Hannah Grace was born prematurely with multiple issues requiring her to stay in NICU. Admittedly, some of the posts were hard to read, but I read anyway because of her parents’ desire to share this journey with other believers, to commune as it were in prayerful fellowship and share stories similar to hers. I was amazed at how the prayers from me flowed so freely for them, and then remembered that I have been praying similarly for 18 months or longer for another family who suffered loss. I was taken by how the Spirit led my words of encouragement. There were days where Hannah Grace was gaining weight, then others when the weight dropped. She was on the respiratory appliances that kept oxygen flowing; she would have fevers although it was difficult sometimes to actually zero-in on the causes. At least a couple of times she was treated for infections. Still, she was growing right before our eyes. Her parents were able to catch a smile once on camera. 

Bless her -- Hannah Grace was tethered in so many places. Yet, there was the blessing for her to experience the feeling of human closeness and of her Mom’s heartbeat when her parents were able to hold her after the doctors and NICU nurses ok’d it. That blessing went both ways. Her care team was right in there with Hannah Grace during her journey. It takes a special type of person to 'minister' in the capacity that NICU staff does. This team was no different. You could almost hear the cheers go up when Hannah Grace turned a corner and started consistently gaining a bit of weight and breathing well, when she went days without any fevers, and/or had a night of peaceful sleep. There were so many prayers and encouraging words being offered for the family to help them with this hour-by-hour journey in Hannah Grace’s life, and for God’s mercy and will for Hannah Grace. Her parents took many photos - the family also included two slightly older siblings. There were countless numbers of 'Facebook family members' for whom those pictures were most welcomed, touching our hearts, and which spiritually brought us into the same 'space' in which Mom and Dad moved to support, honor, pray, and exchange greetings and messages even though many of us lived hundreds of miles away. For me it was a most unique experience, and I tried hard every day to visit with everyone.

There was at least one doctor about whom the parents wrote (anonymously) who had told them that they should have let Hannah Grace die 'peacefully' after her birth. But it was Hannah Grace herself who 'booed' that suggestion - she was a little fighter. Her parents are strong believers in Christ who, through His merciful grace, learned a new level of love, a new level of trust and faith that they could not have learned otherwise (see Isaiah 45:3), and had the privilege of sharing with their 'extended family' that journey with her in such a loving, respectful, and generous way, even when their hearts were breaking. Sadly, the doctor and some others could not understand this level of love, not even some professing Christians can. But her Mom and Dad understood as they experienced the revelation contained in the Isaiah passage of treasures hidden – kept in a guarded, protected place -- for those who believe and trust God, Who lavished those treasures on them abundantly. What a most Divine and intimate gift from our Father of all mercies! (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Hannah Grace’s earthly journey lasted 100 days. One hundred amazing, unforgettable days. God carried her home to where there is no pain, no crying, no sadness, but only joy and the fullness of the expression of God’s Love. The grace for which she is named was so evident in this journey; it blessed those who were on the journey with her in ways we will always remember because her life and trials remind us that God is still Sovereign, that He is still in control, and that only He can deliver the reality of His words of promise at Romans 8:28. See the note below, written by Hannah Grace's parents below following her celebration of life.

     “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Yet, it was good of you to share in my troubles.” Philippians 4:11-14

‘God is still good! Things that go on in our lives do not change the character of God. He is still good. He is still faithful. He is still powerful. He is still able. God is also all knowing. Sometimes the things He allows in our lives do not seem like His kindness and mercy at the time, but we have to hold onto His unchanging character. He is kind. He is merciful. What He allows has a purpose – we may never know that purpose, but we do not have to know the reason as long as we know Him. God is not changed.

‘I have never longed for heaven as much as my heart yearns for it now. God has not finished his purpose for us yet since He has left us here on Earth. I choose to trust He is still writing this journey, and that His plans are both good and for my good.’

Amen.

p.s. the day before I read the news that Hannah Grace had gone to be with the Lord, I learned that a friend also had completed his earthly journey. God is collecting the saints!