Dear Jordan,
Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” You were a special gift from God, given to our home, to our family, for eight weeks this summer. Though we never got to meet you, you played a vital role in each of our lives. We are so grateful for you! But, as your name proclaims, our gracious Father called you over Jordan before us. You have gone on to glory, there to await us until His perfect timing when we will all be united forever. But during your life, the Lord used you to teach and remind us of many important truths.
Through you, we experienced yet again the indescribable joy of new life! We were delighted to find out that you were on the way. A new sibling, a new member of the Team, baby #11…
Through you, we realized just how uncomplaining and patient our darling mother is as she went through the early stages of pregnancy.
Because of you, we watched the Lord illuminate Mommy’s face with the glowing light that only a woman with child can wear.
We saw the beauty of letting God control the womb.
We were taught again to trust unconditionally in the loving, Sovereign hand of God in all circumstances.
We felt the pain of death and loss, but also felt the growth, grace, inexpressible joy, and deepened sense of God’s presence that always follows.
We understood just how blessed we are that we had never experienced miscarriage before.
We were further prepared for our futures as, Lord willing, fathers and mothers.
We tasted the sweetness of the friendship and love of other believers during a trial.
We were drawn closer together as a family, as a Team.
Our realm of ministry was broadened. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” II Cor. 1:3-4
We were given yet another reason to look forward to Heaven with great anticipation!
Our hearts, our lives, our characters, our experiences, our trust in God… all were stretched and strengthened by your life. Though the pain is still felt, the results are of eternal significance, and for this, we, your siblings, are eternally grateful. We praise the Lord for your little life. Isaiah 43: 7, “For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” Baby Jordan, you were created for the glory of God, and your life purpose has been fulfilled. Soli Deo Gloria!
We love you, Jordan!
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, what ever my lot , Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul’. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul!……Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!!!!”
Oh precious Neely family…. Darlene especially, my heart goes out to you.
I know all too well the grief you are feeling right now. I, too was expecting our 11th sweet blessing but had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago. I was 8 weeks along as well, but the pregnancy stopped developing at 6 1/2 weeks.
I am trusting in the Lord as I know you are.
Darlene, you probably don’t remember this…. but YEARS ago in the Temple Baptist Church nursery told me when I had asked you if you would like to have more children… you so sweetly smiled at me and said “God has not promised me any more children, but I wouldn’t be opposed.”
How that spoke to me! So many years ago, you were trusting in the Lord. That has encouraged me all these years later to put my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father who loves me so much.
I don’t know why I felt led to share that with you tonight, but I did.
Your family continues to encourage mine, even though we haven’t seen one another face to face in YEARS!
God be with you and your precious family as you grieve this little one.
Lord bless you.
Your sister in Christ,
Janet
Beautifully written, Kathryn. I am very sorry for your family’s loss and have prayed for you all. It is sweet to see your perspective of “gaining Christ” through this trial.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord comfort you all in your grief.
Victoria
We too have experienced the sorrow of losing a child, many times. But God gives grace so abundant, and peace that passes human understanding! There is joy in looking forward to that day when we will meet face to face with all those little ones – in heaven. What a glorious moment that will be. 🙂
We are so sorry for your loss, Neely Team. May the Lord use this experience to draw you closer to Him; May you know more of His love, and be enabled to share it with others.
We are praying for you.
I’m so sorry that Jordan didn’t get to stay longer and enjoy the Neely Team. Praise the Lord for the promise of seeing our loved ones again someday! I bet both grandfathers were in the front of the welcoming “committee.” We love y’all and are praying for you.
Several cousins up in heaven already getting to know each other. Hugs to you, Darlene.
We understand. God understands more. Underneath are His Everlasting Arms.
Much prayer, Mike and Sharon
Oh wow – I’m so sorry to hear :’-( The Lord bless and comfort y’all.
I have at least two siblings in heaven.
I don’t know how I missed this post until now… This probably would have been around the time that my mom lost our #10
Isn’t it wonderful to feel the comfort of God in times like these? To see His faithfulness anew and to know His love?
Oh I am so sorry for your family’s loss. May God be glorified through your love for one another. May you all be comforted in the loving hands of our Savior.
This post was a sweet, beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.