To Choose Hope is to Choose Christ
Last year on October 15—Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day—we bought a tank of helium and a package of balloons, and spent the afternoon writing notes and drawing pictures in honor of our babies in heaven. We’ve never thrown a big party or included lots of friends and family on these days of remembrance. Instead, they have been quiet and reflective days. There have been times when I wondered if I was doing enough to honor our babies in glory, but through the years I have come to treasure these quiet moments—where there is no one to impress and our hearts are full of sweet togetherness as we praise God for making a way for us to be united with Him in glory one day, where two precious members of our family already are.
When our balloons had been filled with our heartfelt messages and drawings, we headed outside and walked to the big hill just down the road from us. From the top of the hill there was no one in sight in any direction. It was just us, with balloons in our hands and hope in our hearts.
Every time we release balloons, our children ask if our hope babies get to read the words we wrote for them—if our balloons reach them on the other side of the skies. And each time I am grateful for another opportunity to share with them about the wonders of being with the Lord, thankful that the reality of heaven has become so tangible to us.
While they are hidden from our sight for a time, they are not unseen. Our sweet babies are fully satisfied in the presence of our Lord. They want for nothing. They are known and loved perfectly. They are free from sickness, pain, loneliness, and sorrow forever more. What inexpressible joy!
As we talked together about the forever-home of those who belong to Christ, I reminded them that we can choose hope on October 15 because we have chosen Christ. We grieve, but not like those without hope. No, quite the opposite. We wait with joyful anticipation for the return of our Savior King—the One who gave His life so that in believing we could abound in hope.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13
As we opened our hands to let the balloons escape with the wind, I stood there watching my husband and children. Tears filled my eyes as I saw them all looking up at the sky, their gaze fixed on what was above them. And it struck me that this is exactly what hope is. Fixing our eyes on what is above—who is above. To hope is to set our hearts and minds on Christ.
So while we stood there together, watching our balloons float up until the clouds hid them from our sight, I was filled with joy at the thought of someday joining my Lord beyond those same clouds.
We walked home with an extra spring to our steps. After all, in remembering our babies we were also remembering the goodness of God to bring them home, and the hope we have been given through His Son that we, ourselves, will one day join them.
Sweet momma, will you let this October 15 be a time not only to remember your sweet baby(ies) but to also remember the sacrifice that was made so that they could live? Will you join us as we flood the skies together with remembrance and declare the hope we have in Christ?
Friday, September 21 is the LAST DAY to order your October 15 shirts. This year we are offering adult, youth, toddler and infant sized t-shirts. Click here to order yours.
Don’t forget to take a photo of yourself or your group wearing your shirts and share it using #HopeMommiesOct15. See what Hope Moms across the country are doing on October 15 by searching #HopeMommiesOct15 on social media.
How will you be honoring your babies this October 15? We’d love to hear how you shared hope and remembered our precious babies on this day! Send us pictures and share with us how you have chosen hope on October 15 HERE.
- Ashlee
Hope Mom to Simeon and Odelle
Ashlee is the Editorial Coordinator for Hope Mommies. She and her husband, Jesse, live in Milwaukee with their children—five on earth and two with the Lord. You can get to know her more by reading her blog, Beyond Undone.
Are you a writer who would like to join the blog team? Learn more and apply here.
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