Today, Ash Wednesday, is the beginning of the 40 day journey that Catholics travel on called Lent. The end of the 40 days culminates with the celebration of life on Easter Sunday. (We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection, hence the reason it starts on Ash Wednesday.) Those that have followed my blog for a while know how seriously I take this season.
These next 40 days are usually the time where we try to parallel our walk with Jesus' own 40 day withdrawal into the wilderness. During this time, I fast, pray, soul-search, repent and remind myself as much as possible of the sacrifice my Savior made for me. It is a time of reflection and spiritual discipline. Something I should do year round, but alas, I seem to only be able to truly commit to these challenges during this time of year. I pray that changes someday. I also pray that Lord listen to the yearning in my heart for Him to mold me into the person He created me to be.
Last night, I was sharing with Scott what a heavy heart I had. It seems like so many children are afflicted with life threatening diseases.
My heart broke to learn yesterday that little Lydia, a sweet Chinese beauty who's story touched so many around the globe, even allowing her to finding the needle in the haystack, her birth parents, has gone home to be with the Lord. She no longer suffers pain or fevers and is dancing in the Heavens with her Father. But my heart cannot stop thinking about the family left on earth. I ask that you please keep all of them, who's grief I could not even begin to fathom, in your prayers. I am thankful they know our Savior and they are assured that one day they will once again be dancing with their sweet angel.
This precious little man pictured on the right is Nick. I think you all remember me asking for prayers for Nick a few months ago. Well, I am here again with the same pleas.
The wonderful news is that he is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant that is scheduled to be done on March 3rd. He needs our prayers again. This precious little boy and his family are struggling with the preparations for the transplant. He began radiation twice a day yesterday and was very sick. He is not doing well and as you can imagine, neither is his family. They are all in dire need of our prayers. Please lift them up to our God. (You can read more about Nick HERE.)
Lastly, I know I've mentioned this little one before and her blog button sits on my sidebar, but I am once again asking for prayers for her. Precious Abby, adopted from Guatemala at a mere 6 months of age, has been diagnosed with a high risk, aggressive form of leukemia. You can click HERE to read more about amazing Abby and her inspiring family. They draw their strength from our Savior and have yet ceased to praise Him throughout this nightmare of an ordeal. God continues to humble me and bring me to my knees when I meet people like Abby and her family. This little girl, in severe pain, poked and probed, going through what I could only imagine is the worst physical impact a little body could take, has not ceased to live, laugh and love. Only God could do that. Please visit Abby's blog and send them your prayers and support. I promise you that you will be changed by this family.
As much as my heart is heavy, as much as I would love to be able to have the miracle cure for each and every child with a terminal illness, I know that's not reality. But the same goes for the fact that as much as I believe those words, I believe even more than "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!" - Luke 1:37 NOTHING!
So, my dear friends, this is the time to do something. God hears and answers prayers. I know that. I know that YOU know that. We are all one body in Christ. Can I count on you to please pray for these children? Lift them up to our Savior, the Great Healer, and storm the Heavens that His perfect will may be done. Our God is so much bigger than we could ever imagine. We just need to let Him out of the box. Believe with all your heart that everything you pray for He will grant, if it is according to His will. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24
16 comments :
Ohilda, I have just prayed for precious Lydia & the family she left behind, sweet Nick & precious Abby & will continue to keep them in my prayers.
My prayer for this Lenten season is to open our hearts, let Him in & listen to Him...I pray that for you too, my friend!!
Hugs!
Patricia
My heart breaks too for all the suffering children. I don't understand why little ones have to suffer. I see, that you mentioned you were Catholic. My husbands sister and her boyfriend are catholic. But, I must say there is a world of difference I see in you and in them. You seem very passionate and true to wanting to serve the Lord. I can tell you have a humble, willing heart. I don't see this in them (in-laws). I question my husband alot about things they (in-laws) do, when they are supposed to be part of the church. Anyway, its a joy to come over here and read your blog. Thanks for being you!!
I will be praying...thank you for sharing.
Ohilda,
THANK YOU for these reminders...I find myself driving down the road just praying and praying for Nick and Abby...these sweet children and I cried to hear of Lydia's death...yet her entrance into heaven....HOW SWEET! I pray for her family as they learn to live here on earth without her!!!
Ash Wednesday...ahhhh, I look forward to this season so very much.
Blessings sweet, sweet friend,
Jill
I grew up Lutheran (my husband calls us lukewarm Catholics :) ) and we celebrate Lent also. We now go to a Baptist church and there is no mention of the season of Lent at all. I miss that.
I love you, Ohilda! You always make my day!
sherri
There is much power in prayer where many are gathered together in His name!
Praying for the children who suffer...
Thank you for this reminder.
love,
Holly
I have been praying for Abby. I mus admit, i know almost nothing about Lent even though I have been a Christian for years.
Your right there is so much power in prayer, I have honestly seen it work hundreds of time. I am praying. Ohilda this was a beautiful post.
Love and blessings, Kristy
Ohilda,
I love your blog and I'm going to add myself to your list of followers.
I too was very saddened to hear about Lydia. I will pray for these children..
I had no idea about you and Ruth, and my blog! Oh my goodness. It always stuns me people read my blog! I will take the time to read the blog link you left me Thank you so much. Glad to have found you to!
Prayers offered - and yeah - Lydia affected my house more than I thought she could too. Hang tough - only 39 days to go - and there are fish fry's every Friday!
hugs - aus and co.
Beautiful post..thanks for the reminder.....I will keep praying for all these beautiful babies!
So many little ones that are suffering and so many prayers needed. It is overwhelming isn't it? I try not to ask God why....I just try and trust in Him and His ways.
Ohilda. Your writing inspires me. I just love to check up on you and am glad that I found your blog (after loosing it a while back). I wanted to give you this award that you can see on my blog at http://stopyra.blogspot.com/ Thank you for sharing from your heart :o)
I honestly cannot imagine..... I know Jesus would be the only one who could get me through... Oh, how I thank God that my children are healthy and how I pray He blesses, heals the little ones....
Praying with you, Ohilda...on and on, unending.
Thank you for being there, O', for these precious children, for your family, for the most vulnerable and the least of these...and for your bloggy friends. You're a treasure, sweet friend.
Love you, Ame
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