Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Lord's Work

It's been almost 19 months since the first Annabelle Baskets were delivered to the PCICU at MUSC...exactly one month after the Lord called our daughter Home.

19 months ago, I had no clue just what the Lord was doing in our lives. I just knew that we had to follow His plan. It took the focus off of our grief and blessed others. In my pain, I put together some cute little baskets for other heart babies and immediately felt relief from the heartache I was suffering. God gave this ministry to our family for others...and also gave me a way to still mother my daughter and for our family to still care for Annabelle by loving other precious children who would be facing situations similiar.

A very dear friend and fellow heart mom came to visit when we were just beginning to collect items from close friends and my MOPS group. I hadn't even put together the first Annabelle Basket and our dining room floor was already lined with boxes. My friend saw the work that the Lord was doing in our grief. She warned me that this was going to be big...much bigger than I knew. She was right.

Last week, we completed the 400th Annabelle Basket.

In 19 months, 400 heart babies and their families have been blessed across our country by God working through our loss. I didn't see it 19 months ago and I can't see where we are going from here. I just know and trust the One Who does.

And I am honored to be doing His work!

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58b

5 comments:

Angela said...

That is so amazing--it brought tears to my eyes! (I probably would've cried had I not just put on my makeup, LOL.)

It truly is a testament to your trust in and love for the Lord that you took such a tragic as the death of your daughter to show God's love and healing to others.

Shannon said...

Amazing!

The Hands said...

Amen and Amen!!!

Evie's Story said...

What a testimony. Precious Annabelle has left an impact on our hearts and so many others! You still just amaze me more and more every day Rebecca!

hope Luke checked out okay today. Will give you a call tomorrow sometime. Hugs!

Katie said...

Rebecca,
It's truly amazing how many lives this ministry has touched...ours included. Maddie favors her little bunny from her Annabelle Basket and everytime I see her packing it around, I think of the connection our two girls have through that cuddly toy.

You are an inspiration for us all and our hearts hold your baby girl close. Love and hugs to you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! We all have much to be thankful for :) And Luke is getting so big! He's a doll too!!!