Emma Hope

Emma Hope was born on March 3, 2005 by emergency caesarian section.  If her doctor check up had been one day later, she would have died.  God was right on time to make sure that did not happen.

At birth, she was diagnosed with fetal hydrops, which would heal on its own.  She was also diagnosed with both atrial and ventricular septal defects that were surgically repaired at 12 weeks and Down Syndrome.

To be quite honest, my first thoughts when finding this out were, “Down Syndrome!  Dear Lord, why are you doing this to my sister and her husband!  They are both young.  This is not supposed to happen!”

The awesome thing about God is that He can speak Truth straight into your heart:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways my ways”, says the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9

He also said, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield for all who trust in Him.”  2 Samuel 22:31

These thoughts rung in my head as I entered my prayer closet to repent for my doubting and earnestly pray for Emma, my sister, and her husband.  Then…grace and peace.  The most overflowing peace enveloped me.  The feeling of merciful love was so overwhelming that all I could do was sob.  God is in control and Emma is in God’s hands.  God’s will is perfect, and He has a perfect plan for Emma…

 Today Emma celebrates her 10^th birthday!  I can honestly say she is the best event to have happened to our family (Those that know Emma know that meeting her is an event!  She has a gift of making you feel welcome!).  She has drawn my sister and me closer for which I praise God.  She has also taught us that God alone is in control of our lives and the importance of trusting completely in Him.  Emma exudes joy and Christ-like love!  She is an example for all of us, and I praise God for allowing us to have her in our lives.  I don’t know what all God has in store for Emma, but I know surely it is something great to bring Him glory.  These first 10 years have been such a blessing that it is exciting to see what He has in store going forward!  Love you and bless you, Girlie!

            For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace

            and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me

            and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and

            find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

            Jeremiah 29:11-13