VP Shunt

Today is the day! The next major surgery Grace needs, which will help with her hydrocephalus. I have been quite anxious these last few days about it, but continue to surrender Grace to God, lay my anxieties at the foot of the cross, and hold every thought captive! It's been a struggle to say the least (my mind is a battlefield). But we know God is faithful, and we trust Him to continue to carry our precious daughter safely in the palm of his hand. He is her Father afterall, so there is no safer place, no matter what it may look like by earthly standards.

I often say I trust God with my mouth but then struggle to truely trust him in my heart. Trust Him with my daughters life, my life, and my plans. I am learning to give up control one day at a time, and being faithful with what he has placed before me. As a mother I am called in this season to show up each day to love on my daughter, ask questions to medical teams, speak up when I notice changes in Grace, and then leave the rest with God. I can't truly control much more then that, and when I try is when I get anxious and stressed out; carrying a weight God wants to carry for me. One he never intended for me to carry alone, because it is soul crushing. So now when I have no words left, and the anxieties creep in I just praise Him through music, because there is nothing else I can do.

In this morning's Bible reading of a daily Proverb I came to Proverbs 3 (because it's July 3) and was reminded of the very thing I needed to be reminded of. God is so faithful, and His timing is perfect!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

So yes, Grace's next surgery is a big one, and it's scary. There are a lot of risks, and future risks associated with having a child with a shunt. But I can't carry that burden, it's for God to carry. He has held my daughter in His arms since the moment he created her in my womb and I know He will continue to do so for the rest of her life!

Prayer Requests:

• That Grace's blood work comes back clear so she can have surgery.

• That there is space for her to actually go today.

• That God guides Dr. Ibrahim's hands as he works on our daughter.

• That no infection comes once the shunt is in and that it does not malfunction.

• Peace for Sam and I and Grace