It's been a journey this past year as Jonah and I walked through two miscarriages. While it was one of the most painful things to experience, in the midst of it all God remained the same. Faithful, loving, good, and present. Always with us. It's His promise "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) I really started to cling hard to this promise this year. Fully dwelling on that truth, that He IS with me. Right now. Every day, everywhere. It's made me think more about what I do, what I say, and how I pray. Because He is with me, I can always talk to Him. And I do. It's been a comfort.
There are a lot of conflicting feelings you wrestle with when you face grief. It's not an easy or fast road to healing. But persevere. When it's hard, lean into God even harder. I learned this and continue to as we heal from the loss of our two babies that are in heaven.
God brought some tremendous things into my life that brought healing. Unexpectedly, and in ways I would have never imagined. One of those ways was through hand lettering. I shared some of my story here. It's been unreal how my lettering has gone from a hobby to a small business. I would love to share more about that in a separate post, because it's become such a wonderful part of my life.
Fast forward to now. To the Makers' Market.
A couple months ago, I was having coffee with a sweet friend of mine, Jenna. She was in the process of adopting a little boy for the first time. She is a mama to one, and she and her husband had begun the adoption process. She candidly shared the cost of adoption and it baffled me. Why was adoption so much? I know in God's eyes money is not a hurdle by any means. Jenna and her family had been working so hard to raise funds needed to finalize their adoption, but still needed a good portion. After I met with Jenna that night, I could not get their need out of my mind. She had no idea what was in my heart—the desire to help them in some way. And so I prayed about it.
Shortly after that night I had an idea for a market of sorts. I remember thinking that it was kind of a crazy idea, but also something that sounded like a lot of fun. I believe the Lord gave me that seed, that small idea that began to grow.
You see, the Lord has been growing me. I have been an artist all my life. In so many different forms, but specifically this past year I have really grown and worked hard in lettering. At the same time Jenna had been growing her own small business of making jewelry. And my friend Jessica had been growing her own business in sewing. And my friend Kristen in quilt making. And suddenly the idea of having a hand made market, with women that had their own creative home businesses, really bloomed. I shared my idea with Jenna, who loved it. I shared it with Jessica, with Kristen, with friends of theirs, with ladies at my church, and before I knew it we were planning what became known as the "Makers' Market".
It snowballed, came together, and turned into this wonderful event. So many women willing to step in and sell their goods, women willing to help set up, serve, and work, selflessly!
I still can't believe how effortless it all felt. It was a lot of work. It was a lot of fun! When our night for the Market finally came, so did the people.
I know that sounds kind of silly, but it makes me tear me up because it was just God. He gave the idea, He had gone before us, years ago preparing us to be a part of this. I had no idea that in my season of grief there were green roots still holding the light waiting for a chance to start blooming. All I could see was the loss. But now, now I can see a small portion of fruit.
I know this looks like a mistake, but it's how Jenna and I are, always laughing, and I love that the word Christ is in the center of us. He is always in the center of our lives, and our friendship.
After the event, my friend Kristen shared that she loved seeing the fruit from it all. Where our friends' businesses were blooming, where hearts were touched by the community that surrounded and supported this family. Being hands and feet of Jesus, by serving selflessly. It was a humbling night. I had to agree, there is fruit.
In my own life the fruit looks different than I ever thought. But I am thankful. I am thankful that the Lord is working in me and that He's given me so much to celebrate.
The market raised over $1,280 for my sweet friends adoption. This money was able to go towards a grant that will be matched! It was an answer to prayer, as I had been praying we'd make it for their grant. To read more of their story head over here.
I am so thankful I could help in a small way. And I can't wait to meet this precious child that they are adopting, and to one day tell him that there is a big God that went before Him!