remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary: to stand still. Free from sound or noise, as a place or persons; silent: to keep still about a matter.
still
Yesterday I had planned to share my thoughts and feelings on freedom; freedom as it pertains to a country, culture and individuals.
Many times I see people acting as if they have no freedom at all; confined to a self made jail cell with the prison guards being bad behavior, an even worse attitude, and poor judgment. Like I said, it was my plan to write about freedom until yesterday when I received this email from a dear friend:
James Thomas Hartings
We welcomed James Thomas Hartings to our family on June 8, 2013 at 7:20am, 4 lbs 8 oz, 17 inches long. Lynn started labor without any inducement late evening on June 7th – So James agreed with us that June 8th was the day. We were blessed with over an hour of life and James passed at 8:55am on Saturday morning. It was an incredible celebration of life – our family surrounded us for those precious moments and all were able to witness James alive. James’ entire life was spent in direct contact with his mother and he passed while in her arms. No plans have been made for a celebration of James’ life, but they will be made soon and I will share an update, as that is determined.
After reading those words again I find it very difficult to type another sentence.
See, Ben and his wife realized at their first ultra sound for James that something was horribly wrong. As the doctor compassionately shared with them that their baby had “Potter’s Syndrome” their joy turned to complete sorrow. Potter’s Syndrome is a disease that inhibits the kidney from developing in a fetus.
There is no cure, and it is 100% fatal, a 100% of the time.
Knowing this the Hartings decided to carry on with the pregnancy, traveling only with their faith, prayer and the support of their family. I can’t tell you how much I admire, and respect, Ben and his wife, Lynn.
Psalm 46:10 states; “Be still and know that I am God”
That’s what I’m going to do today.
I’m going to be still and reflect upon His matchless name. I’m going to silently observe Ben and his wife, and their decision to live out their faith in the most difficult of circumstances. Ben and his wife are pro life advocates, but like most things we believe in it is much easier to have a bumper sticker on our car stating what we support over living out what we believe everyday.
In the end, James is free and he isn’t the only one that is free… so are his parents.
His parents are free because they are all in with their faith in Jesus Christ, and because of that decision they are free to call upon One that can cradle their tears and hold their hand during a time of great pain and sorrow. They’re able to “be still” and know that their God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Because of the Hartings awe inspiring faith they can celebrate the one-hour of life and let go of the previous nine months of laboring with a heavy heart. I guess today’s truth was about freedom after all.
That is my “Truth Be Told” for June 11, 2013 (tbtt . #9)
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Still . The Commodores
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