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Tuesday, August 19

It is Well with My Soul


The title for this post is taken from the classic old hymn by the same name. The song, “It is Well With My Soul,” was written in 1874 by Horatio Spafford. He wrote it following a series of tragic events – the death of his only son, then the Chicago fire (which ruined him financially), and finally the death of all four of his daughters, when the ship they were on (with his wife) collided with another ship and sank. Passing by the area in which they died, on his way to join his grieving wife, he was inspired to pen the words to this now famous hymn. I think it is safe to say that Horatio Spafford knew tragedy intimately.

How was he able to respond so well and continue on in the face of such tragedy? Only through the grace of God. He knew God as his Father, Lord, Comforter and Hope. His faith in God was built on the solid rock of Jesus, not the soft sand of circumstance. He and his wife made it through the darkest of days and had three other children, two girls and one boy. Sadly, this boy too died. In 1881 the Spafford family moved to Jerusalem and helped found the American Colony, whose mission it was to serve the poor. They remained there the rest of their days, fulfilling this mission.

I’m grateful to say I haven’t experienced this much loss in my life. Like all of us though, I have experienced my own losses. “It is Well with My Soul” came to mind this morning, while I was reflecting on my latest loss.

Yesterday I experienced my second miscarriage. Though I suspected I was, I hadn’t been sure I was pregnant, so there wasn’t time to get attached or make plans or fall in love. And yet, somehow I did love. I grieve now for what I’m missing, for what could have been. But I grieve with faith and hope. I know that though I may not know them here and now, I will know my unborn babies someday, in heaven. And I know that my Father, the best Daddy ever, is caring for them better than I even could. I know they will never know pain, sickness, sorrow or death. This comforts me.

For those of you who may wonder, yes I did know for sure that I was having a miscarriage. Having experienced this before, I knew what was happening. For the sake of privacy and propriety, I’ll spare the details.

Most of you don’t know me personally and don’t know how difficult the journey to having a family has been. It took a year and a half to get pregnant the first time, which ended in the first miscarriage. It then took eight months to get pregnant again. We were so happy when our precious little Reagan was born. We wanted to have another one, so we began trying right away. Because of our ages, we’re both 39, we knew we couldn’t wait. We agreed to the deadline of turning 40 (which is December for both of us) to be the point in which we stop trying to conceive.

As that time draws near, I realize that our family may be just the three of us. We know we are incredibly blessed to have Reagan and love her as much as we possibly can. We trust the Lord and His plan for our lives. If that includes another child, we will happily welcome it into our arms. If not, we will focus on the amazing one He’s already given us and be content with her. I know He understands my heaviness of heart, and He is with me always.

Still, I’m left with questions there are no answers too. Why is it so hard for us, when we have so much to offer and want it so badly? Why is it so easy for those who abuse what they are given? Why, why, why?! I know there are no answers for these, and the many other questions I have, this side of heaven. Maybe someday I’ll know the answers. Maybe someday it won’t matter. Though I do long for another child, right now, I’m thankful for the wonderful husband and daughter I have. I know I am a Blessed One.


It is Well with My Soul (first verse and chorus)

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

By Horatio Spafford

8 comments:

LauraLee Shaw said...

Oh, sweet Tracy, I had no idea of your suffering. Sweet precious girl, I am SO sorry! I will be praying for you as you grieve the loss of this precious baby, as well as the loss of a hope deeply planted within you. So glad that the Lord has given you faith to say "It is Well," the greatest faith hymn of all time. He is the God of all comfort, and you are a living example of it.

I'll be praying.

Colored Heart said...

"It is well with my soul" has become my favorite since I was a teenager. Our pastor shared about the life of the writer, and it instantly became my prayer. I know your soul says it is well... but sometimes you just can't help but think what ifs. God knows our heart. And, even if people forget your loss, He does not forgets. He will prove Himself enough for you. He will bless your truest intents. I love you,sister!:)

Rebecca said...

I am all too acquainted with your journey. 6 weeks ago I experienced my second miscarriage as well. I found comfort in this hymn and the story behind it also.

My prayer for you today is the same I have pleaded to God many times since then, that He would use this circumstance to do something amazing in your life; something that will honor your baby and not let this experience be in vain.

I had a particularly "sad" day today dealing with my grief and your reminder that right now God is caring for my baby boy brought tears to my eyes. I was also reminded (once again) to count the blessings I have right here in my home. I, too, am blessed!

Joanne Sher said...

Oh, Tracy. I am praying for God's comfort and hope for you, and some answers. So sorry, dear. Thank you for reminding me of that wonderful hymn, dear. Holding you close to the Father today.

Anonymous said...

Praying that God would wrap his loving arms around you and hold you tight. So sorry and may you feel the prays and support of those in the bloggy community as well as your family and friends!

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you...this post touched my heart with how beautiful your Love for our Father is.

Lori Laws said...

Tracy,

So sorry. You know that you are loved and blessed...and that's the best gift of all! One day He will wipe the tears away.

Lori

Peculiar said...

I'm sorry I'm just seeing this post today, for some reason, and I thought I had been following closely.

Tracy, you are a woman of strength, yet you are so real about your questions and feelings. You are so transparent, which must be therapeutic for you, yet it is help and wisdom for those of us reading.

God teaches us so much, even through pain or when we're confused about why things happen.

Your heart for God's children, that He allows you to birth, love, and nurture, is so warm and wonderful and loving. He knows this. He may just have given you all of that heart for Reagan, or He may have given it to you for you to pour on other children (perhaps in your church or community) as well as Reagan, but your big heart for children isn't wasted. And then again, He may have it for another child He allows you to birth, BUT, only God knows. Again and either way, your heart isn't wasted. He will use what He has planted in you, His way, and He will be glorified.

Glad I read this today. I was blessed by this post, in more than one way.

I pray your vacation was restful and wonderful.