Where Joy Begins
The doctor was certain. The tests revealed what they had prayed would not be true. The two of them would never have children. It simply was not possible. His words rang through their ears and pierced their hearts. But God, why? But God, don’t you know how badly we want this? Motherly intuition had told her their first child would be a girl, and they’d even chosen a name – Julie Ann. But now their worst nightmare had been confirmed, and a mother she might never be. After allowing the news to settle and giving themselves time to process the overwhelming disappointment, the couple decided to explore their options. They had prayerfully considered and decided to adopt. The day had arrived, and it was time to call the adoption agency.
As if it were happening in slow motion, she lifted her hand and placed it on the phone. She attempted to pick it up, but it felt as heavy as her heart had felt when she heard the doctor’s devastating words. She paused and at that moment, she couldn’t do it, it wasn’t the right thing- adoption was not the answer. In that same moment, she was completely convinced that God had other plans for them; plans beyond human understanding.
She turned away from the phone, and slowly sat down at the kitchen table. She set her head in her hands and took a deep breath. An undeniable peace swept over her, and she wept. Tears of sweet release streamed down her reddened cheeks; sorrow and sadness mingled with faith-filled anticipation of how the Lord would fulfill His quiet promise to her. God revealed His plan for this couple just a short time later when she discovered that she was pregnant, already 4 months along. But God, how can this be? The doctor said…
But God…powerful, life-altering words.
But God…He had a plan – as He always does – and nothing would stand in the way, not even human impossibilities. The Lord had proven Himself faithful by taking the inconceivable and making it hopeful, joyful, beautiful reality. They were having a baby. And on a wintry day in January, exactly one year after our country deemed it legal to refuse life for an unborn child, my parents chose life. They gave life and celebrated life as they welcomed their first child, a girl, into the world. Given the circumstances though, the name Julie Ann didn’t quite fit. Instead they very proudly named her Joy Lynn, for the Lord had shown His favor. He had given them joy.
