Mother’s Day will never be the same for me. My brother and his beautiful bride brought home their newborn daughter yesterday, on Mother’s Day, from the hospital. To my surprise, he called me and said that they decided to name her after me! This loving gesture blessed my heart and brought tears of joy to my eyes…mixed with a few tears of another kind. You see, Mother’s Day was sometimes difficult for me as I had an abortion 27 years ago and never had other children. After finding God’s forgiveness and healing through the love and support of an abortion-recovery program, I eventually found the courage to embrace the memory of my child and give her a name. I even wrote a book in her honor called Nameless No More.
So, you can imagine, the very concept of choosing a name for a child is especially dear to my heart. When my brother told me the reason they named their daughter after me, I was even more moved. At one time, he also faced a difficult choice and is grateful to me for sharing my story and helping him see clearly in the midst of panic and fear as he faced unexpected fatherhood. Today, he is a beaming husband and father, overflowing with joy and devotion to his family (he’s a natural!). I am thrilled beyond measure and give God all the glory!
As for me, I know I will hold my daughter one day in heaven, but until then, on every Mother’s Day from this day forward – rather than being reminded of my regrets – I will be reminded of God’s redemption – and His tender love for bringing a little piece of heaven down to earth for me to meet, face-to-face.
Wishing you tender glimpses of God’s mercy as we honor Mother’s Day.
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! (Romans 11:33)
Shadia Hrichi
If you’ve enjoyed this week’s devotional, I’d love your comments. To receive “Moments With God” through FaceBook, email, or RSS, see box at top right.
Blessings galore! my darling daughter of the heart. What a beautiful gift. What a precious child. And what a treasured symbol of redemption. Thank you for sharing.
God is truly amazing… To God be all of the Glory forever and ever amen!!!!
Oh, Shadia….what an honor to have your brother name his precious new baby girl after you! And what an honor for her to carry your name, for her to grow up looking to you as her godly example. I can’t wait til you hold her in your arms. Congratulations to you and your family as you welcome this precious little gift from God.