Restore—Rivers in the Dry Wasteland

A little more than 2 weeks ago, I left the hospital with my daughter where she’d nearly died a second time in two months.

Last night we celebrated her 13th birthday with a few of her friends out on Lake Michigan. And I’m in awe, slightly scared, fighting off tears (because that would be “totally embarrassing, mom!”).

While we may never know what caused her illness or why she got sick, we’re trying to believe in healing, in meaning, in restoring, and purpose.

My girl’s name means strong and courageous, and I’m choosing to believe that her name will have meaning for her life. That her struggles (her wasteland moments) will be life-giving in her future.

For now, I’m thankful. Thankful that my girl walked out of the hospital and cheated the odds twice.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (from the writings of the Jewish prophet, Isaiah)

 

 

This was written in response to the Five Minute Friday prompt: Restore. The rules are: write for 5 minutes and no editing (although I can’t stop myself a little. I am an editor after all.).

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9 thoughts on “Restore—Rivers in the Dry Wasteland

  1. Thanks for taking part in the Five Minute Friday prompt this week. So glad your daughter is a survivor! Blessings on your family!

  2. Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! May she continue to heal and may the Lord protect you all. Hugs!

  3. Happy birthday to your sweet girl! Your post gripped my heart so deeply… Sending love to you and praying for your family today.

  4. Happy birthday to your strong & courageous girl! God is working in your lives. Maybe a friend of hers needs encouragement and finds it in your daughter’s strength. Or maybe there was a doctor or nurse that was touched by witnessing your family bond. Or maybe it’s to help someone put things in perspective. Sharing your story is a blessing to others.

    1. Thank you, my friend. You’ve been such an encouragement to my family. She definitely has something big in her future.

  5. This makes me so happy. She has been so brave and you so strong. Even if it hasn’t felt like it. Much love.

    1. Me too. I know all too clearly what might have been, and THAT is where I struggle.

  6. Janyre,
    So thankful you are walking through this with our God-who is behind, beside, and ahead of you at all times. The uncertainty of how God may answer prayer can still be scary. I’m glad that you can celebrate her birthday! It seems all the more precious now.

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