A Tale of Two Easters

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

It's hard for us to believe that just last Easter we were dealing with the heart-wrenching reality of death and miscarriage. I woke up last Easter morning to a grieving wife, who had started to miscarry overnight. And this after years of struggling with infertility, doubt, and fear. Looking back, we are thankful that it happened on Resurrection Sunday, which helped temper the grief and helped force our tear-stained eyes to our risen Lord, the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Easter will never be the same, as we experienced for the first time this year. We were reminded afresh of the searing pain we experienced, mixed with longing for the future resurrection. Our dross is being consumed, and our gold is being refined. As if God's faithfulness and covenant promises to us weren't enough, we also had another profound reason to be joyful this Easter. Her name is Mikayla Grace. We gave her that name for a reason, for truly, who is like God, lavishing blessings on his undeserving children? From death he brings life; from mourning he brings dancing; from grief he brings gladness.

It has taken us a year to "go public" about this, mainly because it has been so difficult for us. I don't write this with the purpose of gaining sympathy or comfort, though prayers are appreciated. I write so that you will rejoice with us in our only comfort in life and in death: that we are not our own, but belong, body and soul, to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
-From Psalm 113