When you were a child, were you afraid of anything? I was terrified of drowning. I wasn’t a strong swimmer so pools frightened me. I was especially afraid of the deep end. I clung to the edge with white knuckles.
Now as a mother, I struggle through different waters. One deep water I passed through recently was a season of miscarriage. Within six months I miscarried twice. I felt scared, sad, and unprotected. But Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
During the process of miscarrying, I felt I was drowning in my sadness. The water was deep, and I couldn’t keep my head above it. But God says that when we pass through waters, He is with us and the water will not sweep over us. I know God’s Word is true, so I began searching for His protection in this, and I found it in three very distinct ways.
First, God protected my heart and mind. He threw me some “floaties”, if you will, so I would not drown and the waves wouldn’t consume me. One such resource was my community of Jesus-loving mom friends. These women dropped off gifts and sent me letters and texts of encouragement. That support felt like enormous protection, and I knew I was going to be okay.
Another resource was His Word. The Bible is full of promises that we are protected. God reminded me of who He is and who I am as I read verse after verse of encouraging and loving words from my Father.
A final rescue buoy was prayer. In my prayer time, I heard God speak. He comforted me with His truth. I found rest simply by being with Him.
A few weeks after my second miscarriage, I could see how God not only protected my mental health, but strengthened it, even in the midst of sadness. He also protected me with my community, His Word, and in prayer.
I am protected. God says I am, so I am. And you are too.
Questions:
- Have you, or has anyone else you’ve known, experienced a miscarriage? What was that like, for you personally or as a support person? What was helpful/not helpful?
- Of the “floaties” mentioned above, which one is the easiest for you to access? Which one is the hardest?
- Changing gears now, do you remember being afraid of anything as a kid? Are your children facing any current fears?
- What brought you comfort as a child? How do you comfort your own kids today?
Sarah Gonzalez is a stay-at-home mom who loves Jesus and caring for her two young children. She loves date nights and walks with her husband, and using creativity and humor through artistic outlets like writing and photography. You can learn more about her photography business at Sarah Gonzalez Photography.