Presenting: Bella Bae Lee!

Greetings! As I write this announcement, I wonder how this message finds you.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can find ourselves wading through an endless sea of unknowns.  For many of us, we’ve not only put our sense of normal on hold, but have been forced to surrender our plans, aspirations and expectations.  It’s easy to admit that we’re not in control in a season like this, but, oh, how easily we can forget that life-changing truth when we feel like things are “normal.” Thinking about Bella’s birth and  words of wisdom spoken to me in years past run through my mind as I reflect on this truth:

“A baby’s gonna come when it’s good and ready.”

For the last few weeks, we’ve been waiting for Bella to arrive.  With each passing day, I felt like a coil that was slowly being wound, tighter and tighter.  At times, I would seek the Lord and find peace in knowing he was in control, but other times I didn’t like living the reality of working according to God’s schedule.  As each day passed by, the baby seemed more likely to arrive. Simultaneously, we expected to see the first cases of COVID-19 in our area along with increased quarantine restrictions at our local hospital.  Discussing with our doctor how to respond to the situation, we planned to induce labor today at 6:30 am.

Baby Bella, however, decided that she would begin her descent early.   After three hours of labor, she made her first appearance with a delightful cry at 5:32 am!  The staff report that Bella is healthy and that Jo Beth is beginning her recovery with a good start.  We are so thankful for your prayers, practical help, and ways that you have spoken into our lives along the way.  Thank you!

As I look over to see little Bella squirming and cooing, I reflect on the many months of waiting.  I sometimes struggled with trusting God and living according to His timing, but now that I see the precious gift before us I am only grateful that the Lord was in complete control.   It reminds me that living by faith is not intuitive but is a gift that allows us to embrace the certainty that God is working things out to the very best end–better than we can imagine.

According to that faith, I ask for your prayers for Bella according to Psalm 139:13-18:

I only ask that you would meditate on this passage and pray for her as the Spirit leads.  We desire to grow as parents and to see Bella grow into a woman of God.  Likewise, I’d encourage you to consider this passage as you reflect on the state of your heart right now.  Whether in fear of the pandemic, lack of job security, concern for loved ones or things completely unrelated to events in the news, let’s ask for the Lord’s help to live the reality that He is in control so that, “when I awake, I am still with you.”  I trust that he will lead us from there.

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