23 results for tag: Abigail

He Draws Near: Abigail’s Experience

“While He was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And He allowed no one to follow Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when He had entered, He said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at Him. But He put them all outside and took the ...

Hymns of Hope: Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Many of the hymns were born out of immense sorrow. In this series, we will examine these songs of old, discover the circumstances behind when they were written, and find comfort in the lyrics that so powerfully point us to the hope of Christ. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Oh the deep, deep love of JesusVast, unmeasured, boundless, freeRolling as a mighty oceanIn its fullness over meUnderneath me, all around meIs the current of Your loveLeading onward, leading homewardTo Your glorious rest aboveOh the deep, ...

Parenting New Blessings

Each child gone ahead from among us is a precious person made in the image of God—and all having been made into Hope Moms, we together declare motherhood in each of our journeys. Through this series, we honor each other’s experiences of motherhood in love through our shared God of hope. Our New Blessing baby girl was born 17 months after her older sister, our Hope Baby, went home to Jesus. During my pregnancy with her and in these first six months of her life, I have dealt with a wide range of emotions—fear, guilt, grief, joy, and gratitude. Perhaps you are also expecting a New Blessing or already have him or her in your arms. I ...

Healing and Hope at Christmas

“What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? Who is this who lives with the lowly, Sharing their sorrows, knowing their hunger? This is Christ, revealed to the world In the eyes of a child, a child of the poor. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.” Two of my favorite Christmas songs are What Child Is This? and Child of the Poor. Their haunting melodies draw me in to reflect on the lowly humanity of Christ and then worship Him as Savior.   ...

Mighty God

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Isaiah 9 together. In this passage, Isaiah gives us insight into the incredible hope that was given through the birth of Christ. Join us as we discover how the grieving mother can find comfort, especially in the holiday season, in the following descriptions of Christ. Mighty God “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 READ: How often does grief feel like a battleground? We fight against despair and hopelessness, we struggle against lies ...

When You Can’t See the Purpose in the Pain…

God’s Word speaks thoroughly and abundantly into every season of the heart. As we study His Word, we learn that within its pages are found the ultimate source of comfort and peace for the sufferer. In this series, we will seek to carefully and compassionately apply these ancient, scriptural truths to feelings and experiences that are common in grief. I stood quietly in the kitchen stirring my tea. Their words echoed in my mind, and I struggled to keep the tears at bay. “Everything happens for a reason.” The words chaffed at my bruised and broken heart. Just months before, we had buried our infant daughter. I desperately ...

Knowing Him: The Light of the World

There is nothing greater than knowing Christ. Seven times in the book of John, Jesus offers us profound insight into His nature and character. In this series, we seek to guide the reader into a deeper understanding of these “I Am” statements, and the rich hope and comfort that can be found in Christ in the midst of grief. In the months following our daughter’s passing, there was one verse that stood out to me as a source of hope and comfort. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” I knew the darkness of doubt and unbelief—the questions that challenged God’s goodness and love—lur...

Sarabeth, Forever Held

When I was 15, our family lost our youngest son and brother when he was stillborn due to anencephaly. Though not my own child, I loved him from the time I knew my mother was pregnant, and his passing impacted me deeply. I have thought about him often over the past 24 years, always wondering what life would be like with another brother, and always trying to remember him on his birthday.  Keeping that sweet baby boy in my memory has been one of the strongest reasons I want my own girls to grow up with a knowledge of their sister. Sarabeth was and is a gift, a precious blessing to our family from God, and we always want her life to be celebrated ...

In the Word: Reviving My Soul

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 19:7-11 together.The grieving heart will often grasp at anything that seems to offer even the smallest glimmer of comfort. But every attempt to be comforted apart from God and His Word will only end in greater disappointment. In this series, we will be examining the richness of the Word, and discover how we, as Hope Moms, can find true and lasting comfort in Scripture.  REVIVING MY SOUL "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." Psalm 19:7 "You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me ...

In the Word: God is My Refuge

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 18:1-2 together. Psalm 18 was penned by David after God had delivered Him from the hands of his enemies, and is rich with metaphors describing the nature and character of God. In this series, we will be looking at how each of these attributes affords us a greater picture of God’s care for His children, and how knowing and believing these truths can bring comfort to our hearts in the midst of grief. As we study together, we encourage you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to ...