Blessings and the Brave Little Soul

On this 'trisomy journey', I have learned so many things, and have been subjected to many viewpoints that differ from mine.  The most common argument used for why children like Rebekah should not be given a chance is that they will endure a lifetime of pain and suffering. Thus they are terminated or denied medical care after birth because prolonging their life would be irresponsible and cruel.

I think using 'pain and suffering' as an excuse to terminate pregnancies or deny medical care is just plain crazy.  While I do not deny that my daughter feels pain when she has to go through medical procedures, simply seeing her smile (even in the midst of an uncomfortable situation) speaks volumes about her own will and drive to live.  If I were to personally get cancer, or have a debilitating illness, I can guarantee that I would endure the 'pain and suffering' of treatment in order to be here for my family.  For most people, if their loved one requires intervention to live, we do what we can to provide it. If a 'chromosomally-normal' child were born, but had severe obstructive apnea or a life-threatening heart defect, it would be considered abuse not to seek treatment to correct the problem. Yet we sell the idea that treating trisomy 18/13 kids the same way is irresponsible.

People also use pain and suffering as an excuse to deny that there is a God, or that God is good.  I believe that God uses times of trials and suffering to make us lean on him. He gives us strength through our weakness, and it can mold us into better people - compassionate and loving and equipped to show Jesus to the world. There are so many verses in the Bible that speak about pain and suffering. Here are just a few that speak to me:

• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 2:9)
• “This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)
• “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (John 9:3)
• “Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 / The Message)

This song is an incredible reminder that Blessings can come in the pain and suffering of this world. It is followed by a story called "Brave Little Soul".  May they both bring your peace and comfort!
Susan

Laura Story - "Blessings" Lyrics

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home 

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Here is another perspective on why suffering happens:

Brave Little Soul
By John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “...Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?”

God paused for a moment and replied, “Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean?”, he asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.”

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their hearts, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.”

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, “I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!”

God smiled and said, “You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.”

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.”

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Love changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.