"Problem Miracle"

Yesterday I was honored with the opportunity to have a double dose of church. I attended the early mass with Foster for Palm Sunday, and then headed to the local C3 church to attend the dedication of one of my dear friend's son.

I always like to attend other church services, because although I was born and raised Catholic, I always get a lot out of any type of service where people are gathered in God's name. I also LOVE the more modern music that is played during the worship portion of most Protestant services.

As the dedication began, I whipped out my camera, because I was also there to capture this important moment in this family's life. I started to get really emotional. Watching the pride, joy and appreciation in the parents' eyes made my heart swell. Also, Mom started to tear up. I know this little man's delivery was traumatic...and they could have lost him. He also endured a short stint in the NICU like Ava. This family was sooooo happy and felt sooo blessed that he was alive, healthy, and being ABLE to be dedicated back to God.

Then it became personal.....

I heard the words and immediately started to tear up "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."' (Matthew 19:14) The words, engraved on Rosie's grave were spoken aloud.

Then the next scripture passage was read:  "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” (1Samuel 1:27-28). This passage I studied, prayed over, meditated over, and eventually got to utter the day Ava was born....a passage I had been hoping for a LONG time that I could speak aloud for a living child.

Naturally, I was in tears...EVERY child is a true miracle, and unfortunately, not everyone sees that now a days.

As if that wasn't enough signs that Rosalynn is around as her birthday is approaching this month, the lesson for the service began. It was entitled "Problem Miracle." Basically the pastor was discussing how our problems, no matter how big or small, can seem like a burden and hard to cope with, but they are the opportunity for God to create miracles.

Right now, I feel like I have no problems...only miracles happening all around me...however, these miracles would NOT be here if not for Rosalynn. SHE helped create these miracles. 2 years ago, her passing would be the "problem" that would create the opportunity to allow for many future miracles in my life.

This is where the pastor hit home! The pastor said, "There are people you will meet in your life that will say 'If such and such had not happened to me, I would not be the person I am today. That was the turning point in my life.'"

As much as I would like to believe that I would be a photographer, a stay at home mom to TWO girls, and a devoted Christian without Rosalynn's passing....in reality, I can't say that these would be true. 2 years ago this month, on the 20th, was the turning point in my life. I would NOT be the person I am today if it had not been for the passing of my daughter.

The last thing the pastor said that really resonated with me, is that God allows the miracles to be possible through the help of others. I COMPLETELY agree with this. All of my little miracles (they are HUGE in my life, but in comparison to some of the miracles in this world, they are small), could NOT have been possible without the help of my friends, coworkers and family. Each and every one of you helped me in my darkest moments, were there if I needed a good cry, and then were there when I needed people to practice my portraiture on. Without Rosie AND you, I would not be where I am today. I know I don't say it enough, because even if I said it every day I wouldn't be saying it enough, but THANK YOU!!

Thank you all for being there to help create my "Problem Miracles".

Can you think of any "Problem Miracles" God has preformed in your life?