One thing that the loss of Samuel has already taught our family is how truly precious the gift of life is. I see it as a true gift from God, that as we are drawing to a close of the physical loss of our Samuel that the Nine Days of Prayer is beginning (January 17th - January 25th). I think one of the best ways to use my suffering is to give it purpose and put it to action to make something good of it. Yes, I am in pain and grieving, but what a blessing that I can offer my pain up for others through 9 days of prayer, penance and following the virtual pilgrimage to become a "culture of life".
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| 9 Days for Life |
Come visit the website for 9 days for Life to learn about all of the amazing ways that you can join in and help out January 17th - 25th 2015. As they state on their website "On January 22 our nation will mark the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the U.S. Since that tragic decision, more than 56 million children's lives have been lost to abortion, and many suffer that loss -- often in silence."
I pray for all of the babies who have been lost, who were wanted by God and who have great purpose now in Heaven. I pray for the mothers and families who have experienced hardship and pain and who might have felt like abortion is was the best or only option for their child. I pray for the women who have had an abortion in the past and who have not learned that God is a forgiving and loving God. I pray to end this culture of death and to help it become a culture of life.
Mother Theresa once said "How can you say there are too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers." Now, an amazing recording artist Danielle Rose released a song this week called "Little Flower" which is a beautiful song praising the gift of all life, and reminding us that God loves all children. Danielle has truly done her part in creating a ministry called the Little Flower Project which is protecting, respecting, loving and serving life by helping children who have been "rejected, abandoned, deemed as useless and who have no voice" in China. What a true gift to help us all become a culture for life.
"How can you say there are too many children?
That is like saying there are too many flowers
In the garden, in the garden of God.
He planted man in paradise.
He breathed in us the breath of life.
Be fertile, fruitful, multiply:
The first command of Eden.
He promised to provide for all our needs.
He reigns over all the earth;
His light shines on every seed.
He cares for every soul, so little flower, grow.
God provides.
For Him there is no life too small.
His hand of love has fashioned all.
He hears you weeping when you call.
He knows you each by name.
He promised to provide for all our needs.
He reigns over all the earth;
His light shines on every seed.
He cares for every soul, so little flower, grow.
God provides.
Through your hands, God provides.
Through your heart, God provides
Through the Body of Christ.
How can you say there are too many children?
That is like saying there are too many flowers
In the garden, in the garden of God.
Whoever receives one child in my name receives me."
I love the last verse of Danielle's song "Whoever receives one child in my name receives me". Thank you God for letting us receive You within the lives of each of our children. Thank you God for helping me offer our pain of Samuel's death into praying for the gift and beauty of life for all children. Thank you for loving our Samuel and for loving each and everyone one of your children.
What can you do to help create a "culture of life"? How is God asking you to step out and make a difference today, in your heart, in your family and in your community?
Beautiful post Nicole! Again, I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Samuel. May God continue to give you comfort and peace!
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