Recently, a heartbreaking and heartwarming news story hit the web. According to WSB-TV in Atlanta, a Kansas couple is expecting twins, one boy and one girl, but their joy soon turned to heartbreak when they found out one of the babies was not thriving.
A doctor told Ian and Brittani McIntire that their little boy, Mason, has a hole in his heart and his brain has not developed normally.
Further, the little boy is not a candidate for surgery because of his brain abnormality, KWCH reported.
“He’s only weighing nine ounces and his sister is over two pounds, so big size difference,” Brittani said.
“His only chance of survival would be heart surgery, but they wouldn’t do heart surgery on him because of his brain,” she added.
They received a glimmer of hope thanks to a sonogram image.
The technician told the couple to look at the image, their unborn son was holding his bigger sister, Madilyn’s, hand, KWCH reported.
“Most twins, when she’s trying to take pictures and stuff, they’re kicking each other and hitting each other and she said with our twins it seems like she was very protective over him,” Brittani said.
Doctors do not expect Mason to survive, but his parents know he will be protected as long as he lives.
“I know I’m holding him, I’m carrying him, but I just want to be there for him. And she’s the only one who can actually be there and holding onto him through it, so it’s comforting to know that if he does pass he won’t be alone,” Brittani said.
As I read this story, I was moved by this picture of love and care being shown by baby sister. This story also caused me to think about my relationship with God and His love and care for me no matter what I am facing in this life.
A health issue, financial struggles, relationship strains, family concerns, job loss, school challenges and the list goes on. While these life issues are not unique to followers of Christ, we do have access to a support person that is linked to our relationship with God. In any of these difficult times God promises that he will “never leave or forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Feeling anxious today, alone, unsure if anybody cares. Remember this promise from God.
Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)
Need a hand, someone to help you up. Listen to the words of Isaiah describing God’s faithfulness to Israel and to us as well.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.(Isaiah 41:13)
And when we face that final day of our lives and the enemy of death, will God be holding our hands? Yes!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Let me end with some words from the song Never Once by Matt Redman. We sing it occasionally at church, but you might want to look it up and listen to it again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA
Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful God You are faithful You are faithful God You are faithful Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say Never once did we ever walk alone Carried by Your constant grace Held within Your perfect peace Never once no we never walk alone