Sunday, November 2, 2008

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.



32 comments:

Britt said...

I have so much admiration for you & your family.Your blog brings me to tears every time I read it.You are a phenomenal person & I only hope one day to have has much strength and courage as you do.You truly inspire me.I wish you & your family only the best.

connie said...

I don't think any of us can ever hear that song without it having a profound effect on us. I was actually grateful for the way it could consistently get me crying when I was pregnant, because I usually needed to let it out.

How beautiful this was to read, and to picture the parallels in your experiences with you girls.

And His name IS to be blessed.

Pam said...

I haven't commented in a very long time, but I still faithfully read whenever you post.

Thank you for sharing the details of your day and photos of your precious family.

My heart caught in my throat and my eyes began to water as I saw the photo of the girls together with the red flower that looked like a poppy until I clicked to zoom it closer. What a lovely shot, and what a precious picture of God's hand at work.

Thanks Angie! You have touched my heart this evening.

Trudy said...

Hope is what you give me. Your daughters are simply angelic! Thank you for sharing this story of hope. The timing couldn't be better.

Emily said...

Angie, this is absolutely beautiful. Redemption. Awesome, awesome redemption. Thank you for sharing your incredible story and your beautiful family with the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

I have read your blog for MANY months now- I have prayed for you- even planted a Poppy plant this spring as a reminder to pray for the hurting moms in this world- but I have never posted.
We have adopteed two miracles- and at our dedication service we also sang Blessed Be Your Name. Every blessing I will turn back to praise... Praise God for how music can touch each of us.

Emily said...

What an incredible insight you have! I am blessed every single time you write but never more than today! I remember feeling so heartbroken for you when Poppy passed away. I've never met you but I had this overwhelming feeling of loss. Now, looking at you with Marianne & Adrienne I can see such joy on your face. I am so happy for your family & I am so amazed at God's faithfulness that even through this blog I can see in your life. Thanks for sharing!
Emily in Mississippi

In Definition said...

angie. what a beautiful post. thank you for sharing it.

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

What beautiful words and pictures! Isaiah 12:5
“Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth."

Laurie in Ca. said...

Truly a beautiful day full of sunshine for you guys. The pictures are so sweet and full of joy. It has been such a blessing to follow your journey with Poppy and now with Adrienne. The timing is perfect Angie and so are your three girls. I love the picture of the girls and flower. I know there will always be a beautiful Poppy between these sisters. I hope your week is over the top with JOY. I love you all.

Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Angie -
As I watched your beautiful family yesterday and giggled watching Marianna I also thought of Poppy and all God has done in your life and in turn all of ours who walked this journey through your blog. My son even calls the video song from Poppy's service, "Poppy's song". Please know when we stood to commit to praying for these children and parents that we are! Livona

Anxious AF said...

Thanks.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

It's so encouraging to be reminded that God is faithful to bring us full circle! I LOVE that song!!!

I can't wait until we officially adopt our foster son so we can dedicate him as well. We are fully commited to raising him to love God and his Word and are praying for him to have a heart for Jesus. We have already dedicated him to God in our hearts, but it would be nice to stand before our church and do it publicly.

Thanks for sharing pictures from this beautiful day!

Mary Ann said...

congratulations! she is a doll! I love your new header too! we had 2 adopted daughter from guatemala and 3 biological boys. you can check us our and our new header by nikki at http://theshrumfamilyadventures.blogspot.com/

God Bless your sweet family!

The VW's said...

What a beautiful family! I'm happy for you! And, Blessed be His name!

The Jacksons said...

I have read your blog for a long time now and have never commented. I had to today. My blog is called "You Give and Take Away." I have not gone through what you have gone through - not even close, but I was going through some hard things and the Lord blessed me with the same song. It has so much meaning to me. Thanks for sharing what this song means to you. It now has an even deeper meaning to it.

amanda and bear said...

so beautiful! the pictures were pretty too. what a blessing it has been to see all of this! what a testimony to us to continue to trust our Lord for what He has for us. love you, girl!

Laurin said...

Precious pics, Angie! I have been thinking a.b. sweet Poppy so much these days as her birthday is approaching...how the Lord does take away AND give!

asplashofsunshine said...

Such a wonderful day for your sweet family. By the way (I know you know this), your girls are absolutely precious.

Unknown said...

with tears in my eyes and a song in my heart for sweet Poppy Joy, I am loving you, Nathan, Marianna & Adrienne more than words can say.

Jennifer said...

absolutley beautiful. God bless you and your sweet sweet family!

Just Me said...

I LOVE the new look of your blog!! It is SO pretty! (Hopefully it is actually new...I haven't visited in a while, although you remain in my thoughts and prayers.)

Beautiful post. Eleven months...wow! It has been a blessing to come to know you and your family. Blessed be His name indeed.

Amanda

Jen in Al said...

oh, angie, that is so precious so sacred! thank you for sharing! such a beautiful sweet family. i will never forget the first time i saw Poppy's tribute video. Hers was actually the second one i was privileged to watch. Sweet Marianna and Adrienne will always know they have an extremely special sister waiting for them heaven. Bless you and your hubby as you raise your blessings in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
sweet tears of praise flowing for you, jen in al
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKobwZG3sK0

Karen said...

What a beautiful journey.....just pecious. It must have been the day to sing that song....we sang it too and it broke me to pieces as we sang it at Jacob's service 5 months ago. Talk to you soon.

Love,
Karen

Anonymous said...

Poppy will always be remembered and never forgoton, what a joy to see you all as a family so very happy, Thank GOD this family has come a long ways since the 11 month love this family, dude99!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day! And, I have seen someone else post this before, but Adrienne looks remarkably like her Daddy. God is good.

Stephanie said...

Angie,
I've followed your story since before the birth of Poppy and continued even after her death. I experienced a great loss almost 5 months ago when my sweet husband died of leukemia at the age of 3. Tonight, I just want to say THANK YOU for giving me HOPE of brighter days to come. Blessed be His name as He does give and take away, but in it all, there is His love. His grace is certainly sufficient for each and every dark and bright day. Press on, Angie!

Amy@Life Breaths Photography said...

I remember Poppy's service so clearly and I have never been the same. I even remember your green jacket! That night was a celebration of life unlike anything I have ever been witness to. I rejoiced though with tears that evening for how Poppy's short life changed mine. I never would have imagined the precious gift of Adrienne that God had in mind for you and your family then. And what a blessing that you have allowed us to be witnesses.

Jenny said...

Oh Angie, what a beautiful post. You are such an inspiration to me.

Kenzie said...

Angie-

Absolutely perfect. The Lord's perfect plan and His plan of redemption for each of us... He does restore and heal and I am so incredibly grateful. The pictures are beautiful and you have allowed me to look forward to Faith Clare's dedication and wonder if I too will wear the dress I wore to Maddox's service. :)

I love you and am so thankful for your friendship and prayers. The girls are just beautiful and you look amazing!

Love lots and always praying,
Kenzie

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Angie,
His perfect plan is so evident when looking at these pictures. I love that you wore the same dress, I love that you sang the same song. I love that you have declared "Blessed Be the Name". You continue to be such a blessing, along with your three girls!
Love you friend,
Kim

Whitney said...

I gave you an award on my blog today. It’s a chance to let you know I like your blog and point other readers in your direction. Keep the posts comin. I really enjoy them.