Invite and Expect to be Carried

This post may seem random, but I read something on a blog today (I wish I could call this an IRL friend) that was written so well and so clearly about a topic I've tried hard to express to people when I've been questioned about my faith, or God in general. What she said was how I feel. It is what I expect.

It was written by Arwen, who is expecting twin babies in June (CONGRATS!!). She has two healthy identical babies. Her pregnancy is proving with each appointment to not be a boring one (is that possible with any pregnancy compounded with the internet and Dr. Google?), with discoveries about the babies, their shared cord, their 15% chance for this and 15% chance for that. There is much to be excited about, and....much to be concerned about as well. With all these percentages and worries, Arwen expresses there is one thing that is 100% - that God will be there every step of the way and provide the grace to take those steps.

I've always known how I've felt, or wanted to feel, but when asked if I'm ok with a God that just "let's things happen" I never feel what I say is adequate, helpful, or states how I feel without making God seem unreachable for a person who really wants to reach for Him, but has doubts. Arwen helped me out big time today. Maybe she can help you or someone else?

I want you to read a little excerpt, and as you read it  when you see the words 'babies', or 'pregnancy' (or related terms) I want you to insert your own worry, question for God, or condition that consumes you. The last paragraph really takes it home for me. See if it speaks to you and is helpful to you.

"[That] evening I hauled myself to Adoration, where I wrote frantically in my prayer journal and stared at Jesus in the monstrance as if He could give me all the answers.


Guess what? He can.

I got the message very clearly that this pregnancy is, yes, a possible source of stress and fear, but also a huge opportunity for God to show his grace in my life. And I get to choose whether I give in to the fear or invite the angels to surround me and protect my peace and the babies' lives.

God won't push it on me. It's my choice.

The prayer to St. Michael saved me during my pregnancy with Camilla, and it is the angels who are helping me now. My guardian, and the babies' guardians, with us every moment, fighting off the agents of fear and keeping us in peace and calm and health.

It probably sounds completely fantastic to those of you who don't believe in such things, but to me it is every bit as real as the chair I am sitting on right now.

Understand, I don't feel I've gotten any assurance that "everything will be okay" or that we will emerge from this pregnancy with our ideal outcome (a full-term birth and healthy babies who come home with their mama). I'm not seeking that assurance and I don't expect God to give it to me. Our relationship has never worked that way. What he has promised me is that he will fill me with his grace every step of the way, as long as I continue to invite him to do so. I don't expect to live life without suffering. I just expect him to carry me through it."

Can you see why I LOVED her insight? I'm so grateful she shared it!!!!

Invite and expect to be carried. It sounds so simple doesn't it? It sounds so beautiful. It IS so beautiful. It's a daily struggle for me I assure you, and each cross makes it easier or harder depending. But, once I invite God in - I can feel the strength pour in, and I can simply expect God will carry me through it - not fix IT, but carry ME through it. Me. God cares about ME. He is consumed with love for ME. He wants to support ME. There is no "it" with him. This is the one time the phrase "it's all about me" has validity. His focus is on me. A flawed world, flawed person, or even flaws in our health may cause an unspeakable pain or situation to occur - but his focus is on ME. He is waiting for my invite to be lifted up, and He will carry me to the other side. 

My friends...this IS my God, my Father. He's yours too. He's waiting.

Invite, Expect, be Carried.


Be loved.


**Thanks Arwen for sharing your faith and congrats again! Two times over!! I'm praying for you!!*