Most recently there was a sad loss experienced in our surrounding community. With it brought broken hearts, it brought lack of understanding and many opportunities to question Gods reasoning, but it also came with immeasurable and an unbelievable faith, it demonstrated a peace that surpasses all understandings and it brought revelation to the thought having blind trust.
Some will know of this sad loss, so before I go much further, let me include, I did ask for permission to share this “Thought to Ponder” from the family first because of the sensitivity of it.

As the story unfolded months ago, there was a beautiful young couple, expecting their second child. The news came with an abundance of joy and excitement, but sadly
was quickly subdued because of an unfortunate diagnosis.
I can only share my thoughts of this family’s story based on being one of the outsiders, being an observer, being someone in the community hearing people talk, watching the actions of mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, honey and Papaw.
It would be no surprise when I would open my Facebook to check in and read the updates to see mom standing proudly, displaying her growing baby inside her tummy. She had that beautiful smile and it was evident she was patiently waiting for the birth of her second child.
Each time I would look at her picture, I would be in awe, my heart feeling the small pierce of heartache for her, knowing of the challenge she and her family were facing, the options that were presented to them not to mention the obstacles of emotions they would have to overcome.

Skipper Kate Pierce had been diagnosed with a rare birth defect called Anencephaly, a serious birth defect that would leave the top portion of her little brain and skull to be under developed. It was a birth defect that, if not healed she would not sustain longterm life outside the womb meaning, if she is born alive the family could possibly have a few minutes, hours, or possibly days, but the days fell under the category of “rare” cases.

I know enough about society today to know people would believe there would be no hope for baby Skipper
and although there was that great possibility, what I found to be so profound was the reality that a baby who was not even born yet managed to bring so much unity, love and support amongst a body of believers that one could not help but be drawn into it.
Lil Skipper grew in her mommy’s tummy just like any other baby would, strong and healthy, and if I heard correctly she did not have a problem letting her mommy know she was there.
The final picture I saw of mommy posting was the day before Lil Skipper was ready to announce her entrance, and just like all the weeks prior, mom had that same beautiful smile on her face. It seemed in the blink of an eye the moment of truth was quickly upon them, but you could not capture any fears, apprehension or concerns, the only things you could see was her glow and beautiful smile that expecting mommy’s have.
As I ponder over the journey of Lil Skipper and her famil, I’m in awe to the goodness God has placed upon them. It’s evident they are truly walking out their faith, walking in the unknown trust of the outcome. It was not hard to hear people talk in the community of the strength this family was exhibiting. How they were united as one. You didn’t hear nor read about the heartbreak that could possibly come. You didn’t hear about the questioning or the asking,Why God?
No, in fact from the moment they received the diagnosis they continually spoke praise of their trust in our Heavenly Father.
I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again God has an unusual love. His love is one that truly cannot be comprehended at times. It is truly overwhelming, and right now I am reminded of Philippians 4:7 which states “and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.
Paul used this to specifically tell us that Gods peace, if allowed to work in our lives will stand at the gates of our hearts and no matter our circumstances we will be able to walk it out. Gods love gives us this kind of peace, a peace we cannot understand..
This is exactly what this family has done, they have exhibited Gods unwavering love, they have been the light on the hill.
Lil Skipper now rests in the arms of Jesus, although the family still have some challenging days ahead I pray they know how much they are loved, I pray they know how deeply the have imprinted the love of God into the lives and hearts of all those who observed their journey with them.
I ask as a special request to remember the Pierce family in your prayers this day….

So my thought today:

What would your faith exhibit in your time of battle to maintain the peace of God?