October 15 Is This Sunday
In a letter to a dear friend, John Newton—who wrote Amazing Grace—expressed hope in Christ babies who go ahead of us: “I cannot be sorry for the death of infants. How many storms do they escape!” When we dwell upon the fullness of joy that our Hope Babies are experiencing right now in heaven with God—and while we miss them dearly every day—we cannot be sorry for them, can we? Nothing is better than to be with Christ; this glorious reality is beyond comprehension. What gratitude is stirred in my soul as I think about this gift!
Many families will join across the country on October 15, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, to remember babies, both in and out of the womb, who have been lost from our earthly lives. As this day approaches, I also do not forget bereaved mothers and families who do not yet personally know the hope that is in Christ—who have not yet trusted in His gracious and merciful forgiveness for their sins, welcomed Him as King of their lives, and received the eternal life He gives.
I pray that more and more grieving families in our country come to know and hear that this present fallen life, containing devastating loss and grief, is less than a second on the “timescale” of the eternity and that there is hope beyond this world.
I hope this October 15 is a day to feel recognized and see that our grief does not need to isolate us—for there are others alongside of us who understand loss and are looking ahead to a lifetime of remembrance too.
I hope this is a day to come together with others—whether friends and family or fellow Hope Moms, and whether across miles or in physical presence—to reflect with great thankfulness on the unique children that remain dear and important parts of our families, though presently unseen.
I hope this is a day to remember our children in heaven with all joy, through flowing tears.
I hope this is a day that serves as a testimony to the world of the only hope there is—Christian hope that is ours through the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
May He be highly praised and exalted this weekend on October 15 as we remember with hope the gifts He has given, these precious people—our Hope Babies He created; may His truth, which is the strong foundation of believing lives, be made known; may our joy in Christ be light in this world!
Let’s join together this Sunday for our day of remembrance. Here’s how you can join in, as you choose:
1. Plan the attendees for your event.
You might decide to have your event personally, with immediate family, with fellow Hope Moms you know in your area, with friends—or a combination. Perhaps you would even want to ask if your local church/ women’s ministry would join in with you for October 15, whether this year or in a year to come!
2. Decide what you’ll do.
You could begin your event with prayer and then listen to a playlist of worshipful music for your time together. You could plan to include a biblical devotional or Scripture reading. For the memorial part of the event, you could light candles in the evening. You could write on and release balloons. You could go out to eat for dinner or dessert. You could make treats at home. You could write an open letter to your child(ren) to be read aloud or tucked away. You could stack stones of remembrance. Or you could create another activity to do and share.
3. Post about it on social media.
Post about your event on social media using this hashtag: #HopeMommiesOct15. If your privacy level is set as public, you’ll be able to share your event with Hope Families across the country.
4. Search the hashtag #HopeMommiesOct15.
Go on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and search using this hashtag in order to be encouraged that there are many fellow mothers walking this road of remembrance and hope in Christ along with you! And feel free to share a comment of encouragement on a fellow Hope Mom’s post; Christ’s hope unifies us all, sisters, across the miles.
“See” you on Sunday, October 15!
- Lianna
Hope Mom to Noelle
Lianna is wed to Tyler and mother of two girls, one who lives in heaven and one who lives on earth. First and foremost, she is a vessel of mercy belonging to her Lord. She enjoys spending time with family, being a church member, studying, and taking photographs. You can find her serving with Hope Mommies as Content Director and writing at lovely Sovereign.
Are you a writer who would like to join the blog team? Learn more and apply here.
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