Defying Dis-Aster: Entrusted Treasure

Eleanor Josephyne was brought into our arms June 19, 2008. She first came to be with us at her conception in September of 2007. Since then we have recognized her as a gift from God, not to possess in the same way one possesses a belonging, but as an entrusted treasure from her Creator. We dedicated (to set apart and consecrate) Ella’s life to God this past Sunday (October 19, 2008) before our church family. This is our heart, to raise Ella in such a way that she will know God and have a heart to serve Him with her life. In 1 Samuel 1:28, Hannah brings Samuel before God and declares, “So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." This is the hope and desire of God, that we give back to Him what truly belongs to Him and to continually hold our children before Him with open hands, surrendered. As David and I stood before our church family, we committed to maintaining this posture on Ella’s behalf.

Many times I have found myself gripped by fear, paralyzed by the idea of my children having to face suffering in this dark time. This past May, David’s niece, Becca lost her baby Issac in the last trimester of pregnancy. As she kissed Isaac Andreas goodbye, she said “I'm so thankful my baby will never know ANYTHING bad.” One of my greatest fears in having children is their facing the darkness and pain of this world. I understand Becca’s gratefulness that Isaac would spend eternity with his Creator and never have to face the evil of this world.

The only relief from my fear becoming more consuming is the call on my children’s lives and the need for light in this world. Eleanor, named after her grandmother, means “light” or “shining light” and Josephine means “God will increase” or “Jehovah increases”. Yes, we believe this is God's call on this little one’s life: to increase the light of His love and truth in a dark and confused world.