This time last week I was sharing about my recent miscarriage. It honestly feels as though much more time has passed.
The rollercoaster of emotions has been very real, and as I run the gamut between sorrow, anger, grief, pain, peace, comfort, fear, and disappointment, hope is also making its presence known.
I can’t pinpoint all that I’m feeling at every moment, but I’m certain that these 5 lessons are ones I don’t ever want to forget.
1. You Are Never Alone
A week after sharing my story I’m still receiving messages and comments from women saying, “I’ve been there”. Miscarriage is, sadly, far too common, but even knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to talk about.
It’s hard being vulnerable in the midst of suffering. It’s hard finding that healthy space between taking much needed time for yourself and wanting to bury your head in the sand and forever hide from the world.
The enemy wants us in isolation, but God knows you won’t find healing there.
It’s not for everyone to share their experiences in such a public way, but knowing that someone has walked in your shoes and felt how you’ve felt, is a blessing and comfort when you’re feeling alone.
2. People Are Still Kind
Yes, it’s true!! It’s easy to see the rude, selfish, and downright ugly side of people, but while the focus is on them, we’re missing the beautiful souls that are passing us by.
The friends who don’t care that your tears and makeup and runny nose have ruined their shirt. Or the ones who bring you meals and gift baskets or cards. Or the individuals you hardly see or barely know who want to love on you simply because you matter to them.
There are still people who genuinely care, and their hearts are sincere. I’m filled with gratitude for these people, and it makes me want to spread more kindness whenever and however I can.
3. We CAN Put Our Differences Aside
Boy oh boy have we seen our differences lately! I don’t mean the “let’s grow and work together because God made us all unique and special” kind of differences. I mean the other kind. The ugly kind. The kind that has made me cringe on more than one occasion, where it seems all human decency has gone out the window.
The thing is, whatever may be pulling us apart is not stronger than the love that holds us together…if we let it take hold of our hearts.
Call me an optimist, but I’ve experienced that love from the most unexpected places.
It’s sad that it sometimes takes a tragedy to wake us up, but the point is that you don’t have to change, or agree, or be best of friends, to genuinely care about someone in their time of need.
4. God Sees Us
More specifically, God sees me.
I’ve been on an interesting journey with God these last several months. Very broken and full of sorrow, waiting for Him to show up.
I haven’t always felt His presence and perhaps I wasn’t paying attention. But as I look closely I can see the ways He’s been putting my broken pieces back together again.
Whether it’s that text that comes at the perfect moment, or the flowers that show up on your door when you’re having a very angry day…
When He shows up it’s always on time, and even when we doubted, rest assured He was always there.
5. I Will Never Stop Praising The Lord
I need my Savior, I really do.
I don’t always have the words or the desire or the strength to express that to Him, but I know that I know that I know, that even if not, He is still good. And I will continue to praise His Holy Name.
Even when my strength is lost
I’ll praise you
Even when I have no song
I’ll praise you
Even when it’s hard to find the words
Louder then I’ll sing your praise
I will only sing your praise…
Even when the fight seems lost
I’ll praise you
Even when it hurts like hell
I’ll praise you
Even when it makes no sense to sing
Louder then I’ll sing your praise
I will only sing your praise
What an absolutely beautiful, graceful post. My heart goes out to you, mama. I am blown away by your ability to work through your pain and find hope and faith.
Thank you Kate. So very much.
Blessings to you,
Patricia
Yes and Amen. Numbers 1 and 2 are so for me. People can be so kind and Jesus is so good and I am not alone. Thanks for reminding me!
I need this constant reminder Courtney! He is good!
Blessings to you,
Patricia
This is such a great reminder for me especially on days like today! I praise God for a Savior that cares so deeply for us! Thanks for sharing
Yes, Jehava! A reminder I cling to!!
Blessings,
Patricia
yes yes yes! Love this friend. So hard, but so true. I also love this song – even when it hurts. Oh I have to listen to this one so often!
This song. Yes, this song!! Love you friend. He is good!
I think it’s so easy to think no one can understand your pain when you go through something like this. We can easily think that the way we are suffering is unique. Everyone deals with pain in their own way and not everyone shows it on the outside. There are way too many times that we as a society keep our pain internal.
I wish you emotional healing quickly.
Thank you very much Gina. Your words mean so much to me.
Blessings,
Patricia
What a beautiful post.. full of great reminders! I’m thinking of you!
Thank you Lauren!!
God bless,
Patricia
Yes!! Patty, I can’t imagine the pain you must feel after such a difficult year too. But I love how you are seeing the positive and still seeking after God. You, my friend, ate inspiring so many people!! Keep letting Him use you!
Thank you for encouraging me Stephanie!!!
Love you friend!
Patty
I am so sorry 🙁 but you are so right…. there are good people out there… and God works in mysterious ways!! I am OBSESSED with Hillsong by the way!! 🙂
Love Hillsong!!! Thank you Mary. ❤️
Blessings,
Patricia
I love your list!!! Especially number 1, 2, and 5!!!
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
Thank you Angela!! I’m so glad you can relate!!
Blessings,
Patricia
beautiful post!! you are so strong and beautiful. I love that you can still see the good. Thanks for sharing this song <3
Thank you for your kind words Kelsey!!!
Blessings,
Patricia
I know these lessons can pertain to anything and reading them today (the day after the inauguration) was truly inspiring. Thanks Patricia! I hope more people are reading this after the same event and feeling the same way as me.
Thank you so much Erica. That encourages me greatly. God knew..
So sorry for your loss. Your words express great trust in God, and that is a something I work on every day. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading Jessica!!
Blessings,
Patricia
Thanks for sharing your experience. It takes a lot of courage and strength to share your story. There are undoubtedly many readers who will learn from your experience.
Thank you for your encouragement Kathy.
Blessings,
Patricia
I’m so sorry for your loss, but it is so true that God is there even when we feel alone. I feel like he will hold us even when we are going through more than we think can handle.
Thank you Krysten. God bless you!!
Patricia
Beautiful post. I recently went through a miscarriage and it’s been extremely hard. But I love the message of hope and I’ve felt the same things in my life as well. God is good.
I am so sorry for your loss! I’m thankful we still have this hope to hold onto.
Blessings,
Patricia
I’m so sorry for your loss!!
Your post is beyond beautiful!! Is so hard to see the light sometimes but I’m glad we have hope
Thank you so much Claudia. And you’re absolutely right. I’m so thankful for that as well.