Good Friday and Easter Sunday are perhaps the most significant days of the church calendar, and yet, in a real sense, we live our lives on Saturday, the day in between. Philip Yancey

Friday, May 22, 2015

Beautiful New Chapter


July will mark five years since our firstborn, Lydia, died. At 9yrs old she had a long decline after colon surgery. Two years ago, we reached the point where that same surgery was the best remaining mainstream option for then 9yr old Amelia as well.

As a Hail Mary we bought a kit of essential oils and sought help from our local naturopath. When these traditional options worked exceptionally well for us, I started teaching my friends and their friends and so forth, empowering others with what I'd been given. 

I had to develop research and networking skills as Lydia's mom, always pushing the envelope because plans a, b and c often don't work for a medically fragile child with a very rare disorder. These skills and drive perfectly suited me to become a Wellness Advocate in a way I never could have imagined or planned. At this point I have an oil team representing more than 2,500 families across most states and a handful of countries.

The income that has steadily followed is allowing us to buy a nearby house with more living, entertaining and teaching space. We move in two weeks. No more family of seven in three bedrooms!

More importantly, Jason and I are going to be able to find a new level of partnership with both work and family because he doesn't need to continue teaching at this point. I so look forward to spending more time with this man. We are not quite 40 and will get to work together from home starting in June!

These professional portraits were funded by our company for their Leadership Magazine, one more tremendously sweet gift from this unexpected chapter. (Skillfully taken by Jenny Evelyn Prater)


While we were painfully working through the first mainstream options for Amelia, I became pregnant with Esther. It was frightening. I was a mother with my nurturing ability greatly dulled by grief, not looking for another dependent to let down. The song I clung to was Gungor's Beautiful Things, full of Biblical promises of restoration. 


We don't have the promise of affluence or ease this side of heaven. We do have the promise of God's goodness regardless of our ability to make sense of the circumstances and an eternity that overshadows it all. We know the challenge of trusting when it hurts, yet here we are experiencing a different side. Not only are we living restoration of relationships at home and beyond but getting the responsibility and privilege of stepping out from under financial burden as well.

Phil 4:11b-13
11b I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This passage was as important and applicable in the days following Lydia's death as it is today. We pray that God continues to shore up that secret of contentment in us and that his glory be the focus through our season of abundance just as through the years of heartache.

For His Own Glory,
Allison

12 comments:

  1. OH, Allison your ongoing and fascinating story is so inspirational. God has superintended, guided, and cared for all of you through every event. We give thanks to Him for how He is glorified through your recounting of the past, present, and your trust in Him for the days ahead! The new chapter beginning in June sounds wonderful. We rejoice with you!!

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    1. God is good, all the time! Thank you Phebe.

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  2. Super exciting! I cannot wait to catch up and hear all about it! Praise the Lord!

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    1. Looking forward Julia! Y'all come swim at our new house if you visit this summer. Praise Him indeed!

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  3. What an exceptional journey you all continue to live!! Have thought of you all & Lydia, and love seeing the family picture with your babies all getting so big!! Congratulations and God Bless!!!

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    1. It never get dull, huh? Thank you for remembering Lydia with us. These babies are getting taller than me! How did that happen?

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  4. Love the new pictures... I can't believe how big your kids are... I'm so excited for you and this new chapter... :)

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    1. Thank you sweet Addie! I have no competition for my shoes anymore...because the girls have outgrown mine.

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  5. This is amazing Allison. So excited for you and your family. I will always be grateful to you for never giving up and persistently encouraging me to go to bible study with you. You a big part of my faith journey. I am honored to call you friend. Thank you for bringing HIM glory in all you do.

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  6. Hello I recieved an invite for December 5 and decided to visit your page.... thank you for so many encouraging post. As a Enterpernuer/ business owner...faith on God etps me focussed but stories of others journey keep me inspired. Continued favor n blessings..payer fully I wll meet you on the 5th. Cassandra Hicks-Calloway

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    1. Thank you Cassandra! I look forward to meeting you.

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