Wonderfully Made

Two days after birth, my newborn daughter developed a life-threatening brain hemorrhage. As she was taken by helicopter to a larger hospital for a risky operation, we prayed desperately. I pleaded with God to let me keep my baby girl.

My daughter lived and was given a clean bill of health one week later. She did, however, stop eating. She was given a feeding tube through which she received all her nutrition for two years. Doctors never found a reason why she stopped eating, which made it more difficult for me to accept the feeding tube.

I begged friends to pray that my daughter would start eating on her own. One friend reminded me that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). This reminded me that with or without a feeding tube, my daughter’s life is valuable, important, and perfect.

In fact, the feeding tube has been a great blessing. My daughter received impeccable nutrition that has allowed her to grow strong and healthy. And I have used our story to connect with other mothers whose children have similar health problems, offering them advice, comfort, and friendship. I have been able to rejoice in weakness because of the power of Christ (see 2 Cor. 12:9).