“What! Would I be turned back from doing a thing that I had determined to do, and that I knew to be right, by the airs and interference of such a person, or any person I may say? No, I have no idea of being so easily persuaded. When I have made up my mind, I have made it.”
― Jane Austen
And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul. -Jeremiah 32:38
God is endlessly pursuing our hearts. We abandon him over and over; deny him, beat and crucify him and still, still he loves us. Still his arms embrace us, still he fills us with strength and love and offers everlasting life. He is relentless.
I've said before that birth is a women's blessing, a holy communion with God. That this act of creation brings us so terribly, joyfully close to the body of Christ. To watch the relentless spirit of a women birth her baby, push through pain and exhaustion and fear, open and release a most wanted son is a such a reminder of His love.
This Mama worked 4 long hours to birth sweet Charlie. We had thought things would move quickly after arriving at the hospital around midnight ready to push, but hours passed as the hard work of birthing began and moving Charlie down into an easy position took all the relentlessness this Mama had in her. Papa prayed and her doula supported her perfectly while her midwife was patience in letting her body ease Charlie out beautifully. I've spent much time with this beautiful couple over the past 4 months and feel so honored to have been chosen to be on their birth team. Charlie arrived on Labor Day at 4 am weighing 9 lbs and 9 oz. He won all of our hearts immediately!
