Blessed Be the Name

"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise."
Nehemiah 9:5

Today was Adrienne's dedication, and the entire day was symbolic for me. First the dedication itself was symbolic of our commitment as parents to raise our little girl for Jesus. It is our way of saying that we understand that she is a gift, placed in our care, but not something we own. She is God's, as we all are, and we wanted to make a public acknowledgement of that understanding.

But the symbolism didn't end there. Today when we walked into the worship service, the first song we sang was "Blessed Be the Name," and the significance of that song on this particular day was impossible to miss. The chorus of that song says, "You give and take away, You give and take away, My heart will choose to say, Lord, Blessed be your name." It was the same song we had chosen to sing at Poppy's funeral, just 11 months ago.

On that day 11 months ago, I walked into our church, wearing a black dress with a green coat, and sang that song. I sang it with tears running down my face, realizing to my core what it meant to have something taken away. The words of that song resonated with me in a way that had been impossible in the past.

And today, 11 months later, I walked into our church, wearing the same black dress and green coat, and sang the song again. This time it was from a heart that has come full circle, arms full with a beautiful six month girl. He has given and taken away, and more than ever, I believe from my heart His name is to be blessed.

I wore the outfit symbolically as well. I bought it for Poppy's celebration service, and I felt like to wear it today represented that her story is intrinsically tied up with Adrienne's. Never would we have her if not for Poppy, and on this day when we publicly gave Adrienne to Jesus, I wanted to remember the day when we publicly gave Poppy to Jesus as well.

My heart is full; I am humbled by what God has done in my life. When I looked up, searching for God and desperately wanting answers so many months ago, I never could have seen what was in store. It is only when I turn around and look back the path we've already walked that I can see His faithfulness so clearly. I hope I remember that the next time darkness enters, but for now, I am enjoying the sunshine.