I was being pretty critical of myself the other day. I complained to my husband how much my appearance, mainly my body, has changed. After reassuring me that I was still beautiful, it was his words next that hit me harder. He said, “you’re alive.” See, over the last couple of years I have had some health issues. Although it was the ones recently that he is referring to. In these last six months I am healing from having had a miscarriage and losing our baby and from there, having had two hospitalizations. The second one being the most serious and in which I had to have immediate life-saving intervention. Due to a lot stemming from that, my body was put through a lot, mentally, emotionally and physically. In reality, it could have been much worse. I could have had worse physical consequences from these events, including passing away. If they are just body image changes, that’s pretty small compared to the alternative. So, after I was done venting to my husband from a place of vanity, it was his words that gave me the reality check that I needed; “you’re alive.” How easy in our pity it is to forget all that God does for us. God allowed me to live. Maybe my body has gone through some physical changes; but there is breath in my lungs. My heart still beats healthily. My body is healing from the trauma beautifully. Though I am still healing from the loss of our baby, and being told that it is too risky to have more children; I am finding my peace through God. These last few months I would not wish on anybody, but through them I see God’s grace, His care and especially His love for me. It is easy to be caught up in the less than desirable and miss the blessing. After my husband’s words I felt guilt, for I knew that God has given me so much. Friend, life is not always easy, sometimes it is hard. Though if we are still here, God is not done with us yet. May we see His blessings through the difficult and may we thank Him that we’re still alive. May we live this life out for Him, who gives us life here and eternally. In gratitude, may we focus on the blessing that is life.

Erin Fitts-Brower

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28 NIV

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Psalm 136:26 NIV

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.