Lily’s miracle…

The relationships you hold close and who you’re connected with, can change your life.  Robin and I have been friends since middle school.  In high school and college we may have been mischievious.  In the blink of an eye, we were each blessed with a husband and children.  Not long afterwards, I distinctly remember her finding Christ.  I witnessed her enthusiasm.  We were in my van and I was driving.  She leaned out the window yelling encouragement of Christ, to someone on the street.  I was shocked.  Within her new heart, she explained her desire to raise at least a dozen children.  I laughed and said, “oh no, you don’t!”  Yet, she did.  Today she is mom to fifteen, to be exact.

Robin has an intimate love affair with Jesus.  I can clearly see her standing in the will of God.  He places children on her heart.  She and her husband of 30 years open their home and life to accommodate.  Through Robin, I’ve witnessed that what God has planned for our lives is much greater than what we can even imagine.  For their 30th wedding anniversary, they traveled to China to adopt a child with down syndrome.  At that same time, another child was placed on her heart.  That child was Lily.  Fear of not being able to provide for her physical needs left Robin wondering if she was hearing correctly.  They prayed, flew by faith and brought both girls home.  

There is a beautiful story of Lily and her will…not only to survive, but thrive.  She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and scoliosis.  This surgery was to correct her severe scoliosis.  Robin and John provided her a family.  God provided Lily a relentless mother advocating for her best health.  I pray someday she will share the full story with you.  It IS a miracle.

Lily’s surgery was a huge success!  The doctors expected her to be in the hospital and recovering in New York for at least three weeks.  She insisted on moving more than what was asked, to get stronger.  Robin never left her side.  I know she must have been exhausted, but when we spoke, she did not waiver.  Amazingly, Lily was back home in less than two weeks!  Her spine had been transformed from extreme curvature to nearly straight!  Lily grew 8 inches during surgery!  The pressure taken off of her organs due to the added room was another reason to celebrate!  Thank you for lifting her in prayer!

It’s up to each of us to look up, get up, and show up when God calls us.  The noise of this world can keep us from hearing His call.  Be still and listen.  Standing in His will, instead of our own, is a life changer!  Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Their life is not easy.  She and her husband work hard to fulfill what they have been called to do. You do not need to adopt thirteen children, although Robin may suggest you do.  🙂    You are changing the world when you are changing one persons life.  Life without faith has no hope.  Make time to pray for change in one person’s life and listen.  Give the hope that has been given to Lily.  Nothing in this world can fulfill, such as faith, love and hope, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 

Peace & Blessings,

MamaC 

Lily two weeks after surgery and 18 months prior.  Before surgery x-ray and amazing after surgery growth!!