We arrived safely last night in San Francisco and this morning we enjoyed an incredible morning of worship at Hillsong San Francisco.
We were reminded that we are NOT what has happened to us or what this world says we are. That is not what defines us. While we are grieving parents, that is not what our whole story has to be about. Although, at times, we feel that our story is over. We ask, how do we go on and live full lives without our sweet Sophie with us? I’m still not 100% sure I know the answer to that. BUT the Lord says that I am beloved. I am redeemed and accepted. I am holy and chosen. I am righteous and complete. I am not just another body on this earth to Him. He PURSUES me because He LOVES me.
My life feels over but, it’s not. I am given ‘peace that passes understanding’ (Phil 4:7). And ‘my God will supply my every need’ (Phil 4:19). He will give me the tools I need to heal and continue my life without her. While I will never be 100% whole on this earth again because of her absence, I am and will be whole for eternity with Jesus. Sophie is whole with Him waiting for me and as much as I miss her with my entire being-I can’t rush getting to her. I can’t curl up in the bed and let my life roll on by. Because of her, I have to make the rest of my life matter.
She taught me to see the big picture. To see that every single person I come in contact with has something going on in their life that isn’t outwardly expressed. You never know if the person next to you just lost their child to cancer. She taught me to truly not sweat the small stuff, to take a breath and think before I act or speak. She taught me to appreciate the things and people around me. Even if I do nothing extraordinary with my life-she changed my perspective and how I see the world and how I interact with the people in it. Most importantly, she taught me that Hope in Jesus is ALL that matters. It’s the only thing that we get to take with us when we go.
His plans for me are great. His plans for you are great. Stop living in what has happened to you and who the world says you are. Start living in who He says you are and the promises you have in Jesus.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” -Colossians 3:16&17
Be still and know who you are and most importantly, know WHOSE you are.
Sophie The Brave 
I am sorry for what has happened to your family, I know you can’t see it now but it will get better,I lost two baby boys at birth 19 years ago, I couldn’t believe it had happened to me wondering if I had done something wrong, but I know I did not , it was God’s will and I know I will see them again, I do still think of them but with happiness, I pray for strenth and peace for you and your family and keep the sweet memories of your precious little girl and you will get through this and feel normal again.❤❤
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God is so big in you…keep letting His light shine. May Gods greatest blessing fall on you and your family.
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God bless you and bring you some peace during your time in San Francisco. Prayers and love
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Wise words! Praying for your family!
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You and Jonathan are always in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you guys enjoy our “Sunny California” weather.
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Wow. Just wow. I’ve been praying for you in SC, sweet Shelby. God has spoken to me through you multiple times. Thank you for sharing the good and the bad. You guys have been such an example for us all.
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Have a healing time through Christ while you are away. Continued prayers for you and Jonathan. Enjoy the diversity in God’s art while there. Much love, even though I don’t know you, and many prayers for your peace and comfort. I am remembering Sophie as the brave little girl who tried so hard to walk to you in one of your videos. A precious moment in her extraordinary little life. God Bless you.
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Have a healing time through Christ while you are away. Continued prayers for you and Jonathan. Enjoy the diversity in God’s art while there. Much love, even though I don’t know you, and many prayers for your peace and comfort. I am remembering Sophie as the brave little girl who tried so hard to walk to you in one of your videos. A precious moment in her extraordinary little life. God Bless you.
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Thank you so much for sharing your journey with Sophie. I do not know your family, but from your shared posts, she must have been a precious, brave little girl. The words in your posts give glory to God. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you peace in the coming days and years. God bless you all as you visit California.
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Please stay together you two,draw strength from one another and the holy spirit.Patience is key to healing.It’s easier said then done.Know that it’s ok to laugh& cry.May the Lord be with you
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