Hi friends! Sorry about my lengthy absence. Most folks reading this know why, but here’s my “excuse.” Shortly after my last entry we found out I was 5 weeks pregnant. First shocked and panicked, then overjoyed! My first ob visit was at 10.5 weeks, and the ultrasound showed that the baby had stopped growing at 8 weeks, and had no heartbeat. I had to have a d&c the next day. So I’ve just been focusing on putting one foot in front of the other recently. My natural reaction, and others around me, was “when is enough enough?” I also heard a lot of these: everything happens for a reason, it’s for the best, part of God’s plan etc. I know that these things are just something people say in difficult situations. But after the miscarriage my perspective has changed a bit. Think of how these things would sound to a non believer. So it’s God’s plan that my baby died, when our married life has been so fraught with ridiculous problems, when we were so excited about this joyful news? Even to a person with strong faith, much less a person with no faith, this can make our God sound very hateful and uncaring. I do believe with all my heart that He takes the bad things that happen and can use them for good.

I do not believe every terrible thing that happens is something God forces on us. We know that we live in a fallen world. 1 John 5:19 says, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” Because we are all sinners, the world is full of evil. Including disease and sickness. These things affect every single one of us, no matter who we are and what we’ve done. It can sometimes look like evil people live fabulous lives and get away with anything and everything, while “good” people have terrible things happening to them. But remember, that is only here, on earth. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” So, then, what’s the point. What are the benefits of being a Christian if you aren’t protected from earthly evils, temptation, catastrophe, illness and more? No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Cor 2:9) Firstly, a wonderful eternal life in heaven with other believers and our heavenly Father. But here, on earth, there are very tangible benefits. My favorite one is that no matter what you are going through, you literally always have a friend. And not just a buddy who will take you to lunch. A friend who always has time for you, will listen unconditionally, give the best advice in the world, and take on your burdens for you. Plus a friend who loves you through all of it. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). Nothing in this world can take God’s love away from you, if you are a believer. Nothing can ever make you be separate from your heavenly Father and best friend. You will never be alone. Love in Him, Genie Alice P.s. Always want to know what you think. If you disagree with me, let me know! I’m no expert or preacher. Would like to hear your point of view and will post here if you have Bible verses to support your side, or if you have others to support what I’ve said. Thanks!