I was 7 months pregnant with my second daughter, Emmie, in March 2020 – the month that COVID-19 drastically changed our lives and lockdowns started occurring in Kentucky, where we were living at the time. When I look back on this period of time, there was so much fear and uncertainty. I didn’t know if my children were safe and in Kentucky, if a baby was born to a mom who tested positive for COVID, they would be separated and quarantined for 14 days. We didn’t even know if Anthony would be allowed with me while I gave birth, or if I would have to be alone.
One evening I was home alone, and I decided to put Emmie’s crib together. I was listening to worship music and just weeping, mourning the world I was having to birth my child into and the loss of a peaceful and predictable pregnancy. I was even grappling with questions like, “Is God still good if he doesn’t answer my prayers?” and “Am I ok with whatever God has planned for me or my kids lives?” It was one of those moments that all I could do was be real with Jesus.
Recently Emmie said that she wanted to sleep in a big girl bed! So there I was, 3 years later, taking apart the same crib I had put together before she was born. I was playing music and a song started playing that sparked a memory in me; it was the same song that had played when I put her crib together back in March 2020.
If my heart could tell a story
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus Steffany Gritzinger
If my life would sing a song
If I have a testimony
If I have anything at all
No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faithful hand has held me all this way
And when I’m old and grey
And all my days are numbered on the earth
Let it be known in you alone
My joy was found
Let my children tell their children
Let this be their memory
That all my treasure was in heaven
And you were everything to me
No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faitful hand has held me all this way
And when I’m old and grey
And all my days are numbered on the earth
Let it be known in you alone
My joy was found
I’m still in love
Your still enough for me
Still all I want
Your still my everything
LISTEN HERE on YouTube
I wouldn’t have said back in March 2020 that I trusted in the care of Jesus. But through this hard season, God has given me a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life. He walked through each day with me, gently caring for me and helping me grow in trusting him. Psalm 34: 17-18 says: The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. And Isaiah 40:11: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
I would never have chosen to go through such a season, but now I can truthfully say Praise God for his victory through Jesus, that through all things, I have my Father with me! His heart is for his children, he will never abandon us and he will work all things for good for those who love Him. My prayer for all of you is that no matter what season you are in, God will give you a testimony of his care and love for you that you can carry into the rest of your life. He is near, and he delights in you.
Kylie, is walking every day in the care of Jesus with her family in St Louis, Missouri, USA
Read more of Anthony and Kylie’s wisdom from their adventure as Inspire church planters HERE.
