Comments on: Edward’s Syndrome http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome Sniffing out the work of God in the world... Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Be a Good Daughter http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68628 Be a Good Daughter Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:09:36 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68628 Thanks your article is stunning. I will definitely read your site.. ciao Thanks your article is stunning.
I will definitely read your site..
ciao

]]> By: Kathy S http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68424 Kathy S Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:35:45 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68424 Watch, weep, hope, pray. Exactly what I did. Thank you, Mike for posting these stories of faith and hope. Watch, weep, hope, pray. Exactly what I did. Thank you, Mike for posting these stories of faith and hope.

]]> By: Kim http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68422 Kim Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:48:23 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68422 I was so surprised to see the link to Eliot Mooney's video on here. I was told about Matt and Ginny's blog by my daughter-in-law. Her sister and brother-in-law are friends with Matt and Ginny. It was heart wrenching, but at the same time awe inspiring to read of Eliot's short journey here on earth. You might want to check out their blog and read more about that journey. I think you, too, will be inspired by Matt and Ginny's honesty and deep faith. http://mattandginny.blogspot.com/ I was so surprised to see the link to Eliot Mooney’s video on here. I was told about Matt and Ginny’s blog by my daughter-in-law. Her sister and brother-in-law are friends with Matt and Ginny. It was heart wrenching, but at the same time awe inspiring to read of Eliot’s short journey here on earth. You might want to check out their blog and read more about that journey. I think you, too, will be inspired by Matt and Ginny’s honesty and deep faith.

http://mattandginny.blogspot.com/

]]> By: Brenna http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68421 Brenna Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:10:06 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68421 Mike, I cried hard during the clip of 99 balloons during last weeks sermon. At first, I just wanted to "numb out," but once I let the tears flow, there was no stopping them. Isn't that our struggle so often, to swallow back the tears vs. connecting with the suffering around us? Thank you for your constant connection in your sermons to suffering. I have experienced my own suffering and as a counselor by trade, have walked alongside many suffering clients. Before coming to Highland I had just about given up on hearing preaching that consistently relates the perspective of God as "one who suffers with us." I believe it is Walter Brueggemann, but it may be Yancey who alludes to turning our question from "why do we suffer?" to "who suffers wtih us?" I appreciate the focus of your sermons on God's restoring us... These are both messages that our hurting world (including me) yearn to hear. Brenna Mike,
I cried hard during the clip of 99 balloons during last weeks sermon. At first, I just wanted to “numb out,” but once I let the tears flow, there was no stopping them. Isn’t that our struggle so often, to swallow back the tears vs. connecting with the suffering around us? Thank you for your constant connection in your sermons to suffering. I have experienced my own suffering and as a counselor by trade, have walked alongside many suffering clients. Before coming to Highland I had just about given up on hearing preaching that consistently relates the perspective of God as “one who suffers with us.” I believe it is Walter Brueggemann, but it may be Yancey who alludes to turning our question from “why do we suffer?” to “who suffers wtih us?” I appreciate the focus of your sermons on God’s restoring us… These are both messages that our hurting world (including me) yearn to hear.
Brenna

]]> By: Traci http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68419 Traci Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:38:47 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68419 9 years ago a friend and I were both expecting our second children. I thankfully had a healthy babe growing inside of me, sadly Beth did not. It was heart wrenching what that family went through to have their baby born alive. They had to find a hospital that was willing to deliver and feed a "nonviable life" and then find doctors who would also assist in the birth and care afterward. While I was picking out a chest of drawers, they were choosing a coffin. Little Abby survived birth, and due to many complications, went home to her Heavenly Father and King 10 days later. It still tears me up. 9 years ago a friend and I were both expecting our second children. I thankfully had a healthy babe growing inside of me, sadly Beth did not. It was heart wrenching what that family went through to have their baby born alive. They had to find a hospital that was willing to deliver and feed a “nonviable life” and then find doctors who would also assist in the birth and care afterward. While I was picking out a chest of drawers, they were choosing a coffin. Little Abby survived birth, and due to many complications, went home to her Heavenly Father and King 10 days later. It still tears me up.

]]> By: Darcy http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68418 Darcy Sun, 14 Oct 2007 16:47:27 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68418 Dear Mike, I found your blog on a random google search a couple of weeks ago and check back in every week or so. I was very touched by this post on Edward's Syndrome. My son was born in March with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a lot of his abdominal contents had passed into his chest cavity in utero and so his lung growth was stunted. There are often genetic problems associated with CDH some of which are different trisomy syndromes. I had heard in particular of Eliot but hadn't seen his video and was so moved by these babies and their parents. My son is doing well now, but I truly believe that is because of the power of prayer and of course the absolute grace of God that 7 months later we have our little man with us. To put the word out of others suffering and trials in their walk with Christ only helps to strengthen their faith and the faith of others and I appreciate that you put this out there so that others could intercede on their behalf. Many don't want to hear about babies being sick or dying but in their little lives these babes do change the lives of so many others. Thanks again! Dear Mike,
I found your blog on a random google search a couple of weeks ago and check back in every week or so. I was very touched by this post on Edward’s Syndrome. My son was born in March with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a lot of his abdominal contents had passed into his chest cavity in utero and so his lung growth was stunted. There are often genetic problems associated with CDH some of which are different trisomy syndromes. I had heard in particular of Eliot but hadn’t seen his video and was so moved by these babies and their parents.
My son is doing well now, but I truly believe that is because of the power of prayer and of course the absolute grace of God that 7 months later we have our little man with us. To put the word out of others suffering and trials in their walk with Christ only helps to strengthen their faith and the faith of others and I appreciate that you put this out there so that others could intercede on their behalf. Many don’t want to hear about babies being sick or dying but in their little lives these babes do change the lives of so many others.
Thanks again!

]]> By: Brandon Scott Thomas http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68414 Brandon Scott Thomas Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:03:43 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68414 thank you for posting that about Connor and Boothe. They are good friends and we have been hurting for them. Do you know who Boothe's father is? His name is Mike Blanton--ACU alum who started a record label called Reunion records and a management company called Blanton Harrell. He also launched the careers of Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and Rich Mullins to name a few. (Paula is her mom, also an ACU alum) They are great people and they are serving as a true witness for Jesus right now. Thank you for sharing this today! thank you for posting that about Connor and Boothe. They are good friends and we have been hurting for them. Do you know who Boothe’s father is? His name is Mike Blanton–ACU alum who started a record label called Reunion records and a management company called Blanton Harrell. He also launched the careers of Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and Rich Mullins to name a few. (Paula is her mom, also an ACU alum) They are great people and they are serving as a true witness for Jesus right now. Thank you for sharing this today!

]]> By: Sandra http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68408 Sandra Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:08:23 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68408 Thank you, Mike, for a blog that, although it moves our hearts with grieg, it also reminds us of our glorious hope. Thank you, Mike, for a blog that, although it moves our hearts with grieg, it also reminds us of our glorious hope.

]]> By: Deb http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68405 Deb Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:39:02 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68405 Mia: thank you so much for leading us to the Farley’s BlogSpot. Boothe’s eloquence through grief as she honestly goes through mourning is compelling. For those of us who have been too paralysed in our own moments of grief to adequately communicate our feelings of loss and isolation, her lucidity in hers has been a tremendous voice for expressing what many of us experience. My heart breaks not only for their pain, but also for the pain of several mothers who have recently lost a child and have found Boothe’s posts ‘by chance’. Because of her gift of writing and her openness, many who read her words and walk with her through her and her family’s journey – or those who sit at the top of the stairs with her – will not be putting their grief on hold. Tears will be allowed for however long it takes. May they be blessed by the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ as he holds them through this journey. I am struck by the fact that although Conor and Boothe Farley are far from a time when they might dry their tears, they are able to act (posted on their blog, shortly after Copeland went Home): ‘We understand that many of you may not know about Oak Hill and may feel more comfortable with something a bit more global. Therefore, we have also decided to set up a fund to assist International Justice Mission, a non-profit organization that seeks to work out injustices and set free captives around the world, including young girls in sex slavery. Knowing our Copeland is free even as we speak is a great reminder that we are all ultimately called to a life in heaven where the 'chains' on this earth have no bearing. We believe that it is our duty to seek the Father's will for all of His children, "on earth, as it is in heaven." Please send donations in honor of Copeland Farley to the following: International Justice Mission PO Box 58147 Washington, DC 20037 You may also give online; if you are interested in this option, please visit their website at www.ijm.org and select "GIVE" from the menu at the top of the screen.’ Mia: thank you so much for leading us to the Farley’s BlogSpot. Boothe’s eloquence through grief as she honestly goes through mourning is compelling. For those of us who have been too paralysed in our own moments of grief to adequately communicate our feelings of loss and isolation, her lucidity in hers has been a tremendous voice for expressing what many of us experience. My heart breaks not only for their pain, but also for the pain of several mothers who have recently lost a child and have found Boothe’s posts ‘by chance’. Because of her gift of writing and her openness, many who read her words and walk with her through her and her family’s journey – or those who sit at the top of the stairs with her – will not be putting their grief on hold. Tears will be allowed for however long it takes.

May they be blessed by the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ as he holds them through this journey.

I am struck by the fact that although Conor and Boothe Farley are far from a time when they might dry their tears, they are able to act (posted on their blog, shortly after Copeland went Home):

‘We understand that many of you may not know about Oak Hill and may feel more comfortable with something a bit more global. Therefore, we have also decided to set up a fund to assist International Justice Mission, a non-profit organization that seeks to work out injustices and set free captives around the world, including young girls in sex slavery. Knowing our Copeland is free even as we speak is a great reminder that we are all ultimately called to a life in heaven where the ‘chains’ on this earth have no bearing. We believe that it is our duty to seek the Father’s will for all of His children, “on earth, as it is in heaven.” Please send donations in honor of Copeland Farley to the following:

International Justice Mission
PO Box 58147
Washington, DC 20037

You may also give online; if you are interested in this option, please visit their website at http://www.ijm.org and select “GIVE” from the menu at the top of the screen.’

]]> By: mcsu http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68404 mcsu Fri, 12 Oct 2007 21:04:03 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68404 These videos put the debates about instrumental music from a couple of posts ago in its place. I imagine if this was a post about the role of women in the church, homsexuality, the use of our buildings, etc. there would probably be 100 comments on here by now. No wonder the C of C is losing members. These videos put the debates about instrumental music from a couple of posts ago in its place. I imagine if this was a post about the role of women in the church, homsexuality, the use of our buildings, etc. there would probably be 100 comments on here by now. No wonder the C of C is losing members.

]]> By: Kathy http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68399 Kathy Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:28:56 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68399 Mike, Sunday's screening of Eliot Mooney's heart-wrenching clip drained me completely. This second clip of Copeland did me in. Finding joy amidst the sorrow of imminent loss of their babies was almost too much for this mother's heart to bear. But as you say, it is a powerful combination of prayerful weeping and joy. Mike,
Sunday’s screening of Eliot Mooney’s heart-wrenching clip drained me completely. This second clip of Copeland did me in. Finding joy amidst the sorrow of imminent loss of their babies was almost too much for this mother’s heart to bear. But as you say, it is a powerful combination of prayerful weeping and joy.

]]> By: Lynn http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68397 Lynn Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:23:31 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68397 Thank you Mia for sharing the blogspot to the Boothes. What a testimony and also an encouraging way of looking at our suffering. This life is really temporary, but the joy we will experience in God's presence is eternity. Thank you Mia for sharing the blogspot to the Boothes. What a testimony and also an encouraging way of looking at our suffering. This life is really temporary, but the joy we will experience in God’s presence is eternity.

]]> By: Rex http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68393 Rex Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:46:15 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68393 The videos reflect memories that are also filled with sorrow and tears yet also with faith and hope. I have never found the right words to describe all the feelings of loving a child and letting that child to go on and be with the Lord. However, a particular verse of the hymn "Be Still My Soul" comes close to reflecting the mixture of sorrow and hope. "Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last." The videos reflect memories that are also filled with sorrow and tears yet also with faith and hope.

I have never found the right words to describe all the feelings of loving a child and letting that child to go on and be with the Lord. However, a particular verse of the hymn “Be Still My Soul” comes close to reflecting the mixture of sorrow and hope.

“Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.”

]]> By: crutcherfam http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68390 crutcherfam Fri, 12 Oct 2007 04:07:03 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68390 I heard you speak at the ZOE conference this past weekend. I was so encouraged, especially by what you said about doubts. That was my first ZOE conference and I'm already looking forward to next year. God bless! I heard you speak at the ZOE conference this past weekend. I was so encouraged, especially by what you said about doubts. That was my first ZOE conference and I’m already looking forward to next year. God bless!

]]> By: Chaplain G http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68377 Chaplain G Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:01:02 +0000 http://preachermike.com/2007/10/11/edwards-syndrome#comment-68377 Wow! What a great presentation of love. Wow! What a great presentation of love.

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