Fearfully & Wonderfully Made



For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.


My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139: 13 - 16)

Dear Sisters,

This week part of my family once again headed to Washington DC to be part of the March for Life. I am grateful to God for a country that allows us the freedom to participate in a peaceful demonstration of our principles and beliefs in the sanctity of life. I am grateful that our country does not impose a forced abortion law to control population. We join countless others in prayer that someday all life will be guarded from conception to natural death. After all, isn’t our God all about Life? …Creation?.. We have a beautiful hymn we sing at our church titled, Isaiah 49 (or I will never forget you my people), perhaps you have heard it:

I will never forget you my people,
I have carved you on the palm of My hand,
I will never forget you,
I will not leave you orphaned,
I will never forget my own…

Does a mother forget her baby,
Or a woman the child within her womb,
Yet even if these forget,
Yes even if these forget,
I will never forget my own.
(Rev. Carey Landry)

This week my thoughts have been focused on the life that God has given us and given through us: our children. Children are a blessing – the scriptures fully attest to that….”.4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (Psalm 127)

I know many of us have special needs children that God has blessed us with and we have chosen to continue to home school them in a safe and loving atmosphere. Recently I was informed after several lengthy tests and evaluations, that my youngest son has high-functioning Autism; while this didn’t come as a surprise as we suspected something, it does come with the challenges of meeting educational goals and therapies for him. I have another son that suffers from an anxiety disorder (OCD) and while his educational goals are easier to navigate we still have appointments and therapy sessions for him -- 24 hours in a day sometimes doesn’t seem to be quite enough time! To say the least, these two children make life very interesting in the Laubacher household. :) They have certainly reinvigorated my personal goals as a home educating parent and recharged me with new life after 15 years of home schooling ~ perhaps God really does know what’s best! And so it is, I look to you Sisters for support and hope to encourage and support you on your journey.

I have selected several scripture passages in this letter that help us reflect on the blessing of life itself as well as children. Perhaps we can take some time to meditate on the words of “life” scriptures and praise our Lord for the blessings He has given us and the guidance we need to always make life giving choices.

 

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deut. 30: 19)

May the Lord’s face shine upon you!
Your Sister in Christ,

Denise Laubacher