Spring came early here this year. And by that, I mean winter.never.happened. With only a handful of nights below freezing and high temperatures that rarely stayed below 60, it felt like we skipped the season altogether (even shorts on Christmas were permissible). So, when March arrived, the grass was a bright green, the days were warm, the flowers were in bloom and the birds were singing daily praises to the Creator.  Then, a random late cold front plowed its way through our area leaving a brutal reminder that winter isn’t over until Mother Nature says.  

While I stared out my window at a blanket of white frost, I sadly knew that my flowers would fall and my grass would turn brown.  In those same moments, my heart was breaking because I also knew countless farmers were staring out of ice-covered windshields through exhausted eyes at a sight far more heart-wrenching than I. Their spring crops withered under blankets of ice - that no amount of last minute “frost protection” could save. Blueberries wiped out, bell peppers killed-over and peach buds knocked down - the sorrow of watching your livelihood and weeks (if not months) of toil wiped away in a few frigid hours. Then, after two days of cold, spring returned in its full glory - but small reminders of the recent cold snap remain.

As I reflected on this seemingly “natural” event, my heart felt there was a much greater lesson in the midst.  One that is often hard to discuss or put into words - life is filled with beauty, but it’s also filled with the heartbreak of loss.  In these moments, when we are looking out at a bleak sight, watching our hopes, dreams and plans vanish before our very eyes - it’s so hard to see the beauty of this life.

We all have experienced loss at some level.  But in the past year, I have watched several women - whom I love dearly - walk through a loss I can only imagine: the loss of their baby through miscarriage.  Some have shared their stories, others have grieved in private - but I saw them, and a part of me grieved with them too.  And I want to tread lightly, because ladies, I have never experienced a pregnancy - much less the loss of the life I carried inside. So, please know, I admit, I do not know what you are going through - but I have seen so many that I love quietly and gracefully grieve their babies’ lives. Lives that are significant.  Lives that are important.  Lives that were created with purpose, for purpose.  If we believe the Word of God, then we must believe it in its entirety.  Psalm 139:13-16 says,

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”  

I believe this is proof that in God’s eyes, every life is valuable. Every baby is fearfully and wonderfully made and God ordained their days before one of them came to be.  From the beginning of time, every child was known and loved - and He knew all their days.  But sweet mama, He also knows you.  He knows your Mama heart because He has the ultimate Father’s heart.  I don’t have the answers to any questions - nor do I claim to.  I don’t understand. I don’t know why.  But I do know this:  He sees you, He sees your pain - He grieves your loss with you.  And just like a late cold snap that leaves us staring out at a bleak landscape, the pain is real.  But just like the sun brings warmth and light to the land, His love will bring the same to your heart.  There is healing through His strength.  To every mommy who has walked this road - you are not alone. I see you, but even more importantly God sees you, knows you, hears you and loves you.  

I know nothing created on this side of Heaven can ease the pain, but I hope this new collection allows you to share your story - and the story of the one who you will always carry in your heart. It is my hope that each piece from the “In My Heart” Collection will do three things: be an outward expression of an inward love, pay tribute to those we whose legacy we want to live on and be a tangible reminder of God’s strength (Phil. 4:13) - even in the midst of loss.  

I shared the above because the first piece from this collection was made for a dear friend who recently walked through the devastating loss of miscarriage; however, it would be an honor to create a special piece that represents your story.  

Whether it’s the loss of a grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse, friend or child, know you do not have to grieve in silence and God’s arms are open wide - because in the midst of brokenness, His light can shine brightly through the cracks into the darkness. And just like the sunshine of Spring, His healing love wants to flood over you and shed light on the beauty left in this life - and the promise of the beauty - and beautiful ones - waiting for us on the other side.

 Blessings,