My Mallie, Jo-Jo, and Channie-Mae at the water park.
Photo courtesy of Bria Crawford
By far, one of the biggest blessings of any small hardship this pregnancy has caused, is the outpouring of our friends, and the love of Christ through their hands and feet.
We have had meals brought, neighbors and friends volunteering to come help with cleaning chores, (two of our sweet neighbors have sent their girls over several times or just called to see if we needed anything), offering to pick things up at the store, prayers, phone calls, and just sweet expressions of concern.
Tonight we met with a friend who really wanted to assist the birth, but since they must go out of town tomorrow, they graciously offered to take us out to dinner and talk over any questions and concerns we have.
Last week one of my friends, Kathy, sensed my need for distraction and took me out to eat Chinese. It was really wonderful.
My other friend, Robin, called and wanted to come get all the kids and take them to the local water park. They had a blast and I got some rest.
Part of me feels guilty for such love being demonstrated to our family. I feel undeserving and they just keep giving.
I want to remember it…I want to be those hands and feet when the time comes. I want to remember the beautiful warmth of friendship that such gestures give, and “minister to the necessity of saints” like they have me.
It matters. Love in shoe leather is a beautiful thing.
7 comments
No need to feel guilty! It is a wonderful blessing to be a part of the Body of Christ, & this is just one aspect of that fact!
I’m glad you were able to benefit from Sandy’s experience, even if she’s not able to be present. We’re all praying for you. Rest well. 🙂
Your Mallie is a punkin pie! How cute.
What a blessing!!! You have some amazing friends.
And yes I agree with Mrs. Santos about Mallie… adorable. The other 2 little dolls are darling too…
Thank you Kelly for sharing these stories. It really does inspire me to be a better friend to those who are hurting in my own church family, friends, and neighbors. It’s a “lost art” these days and something I struggle with too… I get so caught up in the chaos, that it’s hard to think of what others need. Thank you again.
I’m so happy for you! I am over here in Peru, 7 months pregnant, with a HUGE team of missionaries and NO ONE is helping me with anything or even offering. Lots of “I’ll pray for you as you move your entire house and for kids at 36 weeks pregnant. Get some rest, Jess!” UGH! It makes me miss AMerica SOOO much, where people served and helped. Oh well, if God thought I needed the help, surely He would provided it! 🙂
Blessings! Get some rest!
four kids – not for kids!
Love to read this! This is how it’s supposed to be, but sadly, people are just too busy with things of lesser importance to slow down and bless someone else. (this is not a blanket statement but definitely the norm in my community) I am a Momma to 6 precious children and there were 3 people that I could have called on at any time to help me in any task during my pregnancy. One friend came and folded clothes and helped me get the nursery ready,another came and stayed with my children while I went to the hospital, another cleaned my house and continued for several weeks after the birth of my sweet son. All of these ladies brought dinner after I came home– I am blessed. But….. like I said, it’s not the norm. It’s just not the mindset. Too many children and too much work is the mindset that so many people have. It kind of goes along with the whole children are a burden message. “You made your bed now you lay in it” mentality is what I grew up with NOT the servant’s heart that I’m trying to develop in my children. It makes it really hard to accept the blessings from others because somewhere deep down it feels like if you can’t handle it all then your a failure. (probably why so many couples stop after they get there 2 children.)
Thanks again, Kelly for ministering to me!!
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Thanks