Comfort in Loss by Julie Filby

Each year January 11 marks the day we lost our baby 13 weeks into our pregnancy. Honestly, last year I wasn’t aware of the significance of the date until that evening when I was reading "Streams in the Desert" before bed (a wonderful daily devotional book a dear friend gave me years ago).

When I read the day’s devotion, I was instantly taken back to reading that same message on Jan. 11, 2006: a day I was desperately seeking comfort, some kind of explanation: Why would God give us this baby then take it away?

"Do you wonder why you are having to experience some great sorrow? Over the next 10 years you will find many other afflicted in the same way. You will tell them how you suffered and were comforted. As the story unfolds, God will apply the anesthetic He once used on you to them. Then in an eager look followed by the gleam of hope that chases the shadow of despair from your soul, you will know why you were afflicted. And you will bless God for the discipline that filled your life with such a treasure of experience and helpfulness." –Streams in the Desert, Jan. 11

These words helped, and have stayed with me. I have several friend and family members who have experienced a similar loss. We all have loved ones who experience loss and sorrow. At those times, the right words are hard if not impossible to find, but between the power of the Holy Spirit and having "been there," we offer support. And at times even the right words come.

In times of suffering we need a combination of faith, support and time. And for me, it helps to imagine our sweet baby…with her heavenly Father.

Every pregnancy is a gift. Every pregnancy is a seed of life at 1 week, 13 weeks, 20 weeks and 40 weeks. Join others this month, Respect Life Month, to pray for pregnant women, protection of unborn children and to grieve children who didn’t have the chance to be born.

I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS: From what sources have you found comfort in a time of loss or sorrow?