5/14/2015 11 Comments The value of beautyI watched an episode of Jimmy Kimmel a few nights ago, featuring America's "doll face" Kim Kardashian. She's pretty, sure. But she sat with Kimmel promoting her new book, a collection of selfies, with less than modest photos of herself in the over-300 paged book. I sat and watched her uncomfortably fiddle with her risqué clothing, hoping not to expose "too much" for national TV, and then tell the audience and viewers (after being promoted by Jimmy) the correct way and most productive way to glamorize and posterize one's self. She went on about how they showcase her ginormous features, including her rear end, and everywhere else. I almost cried for her. Because she doesn't know what beautiful really is. She's believed a lie that says, the bigger the better, the thinner the prettier, the more revealing the sexier. I'm sitting in a hospital bed, watching my Anencephalic daughter get a bath. She isn't what the world would call beautiful. But she is. Her head has a small opening, but for the majority is covered by her own skin and hair. Which is a miracle itself. She was born alive! And she's still breathing and whimpering and churning about like a new baby should. Her face is nearly purple, though not from her condition. She was born face presenting first, which is not only excruciating for the mom in labor, but also on her poor sweet face. And sweet it is. Her lips are like Paco's, big and full. Her eyes remind me of Teaghan when she was first born. Full of wrinkles and extra skin like a puppy. Her hands are chubby and grasp my finger letting me know she's still here. She is six pounds and six ounces, Eighteen and a half inches of pure bliss. Esther Jubilee is already a medical wonder. Born alive, continuing to live longer than 2 hours after birth, turned from breech to head down in just three days. As sad as it may be for some, it's a jubilation, knowing God has brought us this far. I watched family members cry and tear upon seeing her for the first time, knowing the inevitable, but felt such a release of the burden I've been carrying for so long. He trades my heaviness for His yoke. Though I'm still carrying a cross all my own, He makes the way straight and bearable in the most unbearable times. Esther Jubilee was born at 1:34am, and is still going strong here at Gulf Coast Hospital. If you'd like to meet her, visitors are welcome between 1 and 3pm today. Come see us, come see her, and be inspired to live by faith. Her every moment is a treasured gift, and it will pass all too soon. I'll post a more detailed story of her "birth" at a later time. But for now, we are celebrating her life, full and beautiful, in the truest sense. Not the king of beauty that fades with flashy clothes, or fancy jewelry. Not the beauty and worth of celebrity status or materialistic fame. The kind that's of real worth because it has to do with her soul. Move over Kim Kardashian, Esther Jubilee is here!
11 Comments
Jonathan Hudson
5/13/2015 10:03:54 pm
Beautiful! Miracle! Jubilee! Hallelujah!!!
Reply
Audrey Gillen
5/13/2015 10:36:53 pm
I cannot stop crying but they are tears that the dear Lord has brought this precious baby through to love. I will continue my prayers.
Reply
Jodi
5/13/2015 11:18:23 pm
She's beautiful in every way.
Reply
Kari Bergman
5/13/2015 11:49:44 pm
We are so thrilled at all that God has and is doing through this precious beautiful little princess!
Reply
5/14/2015 12:06:17 am
I learned of your pregnancy from a friend of min, Jodi Trusty. I went to God in prayer as soon as I heard !! What a beautiful story of God's miracle working prayer!! You are a STRONG woman!! I am praying for you even now!! No words can express how miraculous this story is!! <3
Reply
mari
5/14/2015 07:41:20 am
She so precious.. God has another angel in heaven..God bless you & your family..your story will inspire millions of people...thru faith you held on...glory to God..
Reply
Tamera Kittle
5/14/2015 08:46:41 am
She's beautiful. Praying for you both. She's precious.
Reply
Gena Berchtold
5/14/2015 10:03:32 am
She's beautiful!! What a blessing for a special mom. She totally felt your love for her.
Reply
Anna McClure
5/14/2015 11:55:51 am
This is just beautiful. I want to jump in my car right now to witness this little miracle and her amazing mother. Thank you for sharing your experience with so many. God bless you and sweet Esther.
Reply
Darcy Coleman
5/15/2015 01:50:11 am
Blessings to Esther and the whole family!
Reply
Myra Johnson
5/15/2015 03:48:14 am
Oh Bri my heart cries out for you, Paco, and your family! I rejoice in the beauty that Esther is and always will be. I remember as a spitfire full of wonder and amazement and so full of life...I remember your always had to check your pockets before doing laundry because you always left her a surprise! I am awed at the women you have grown up to be. I can not explained why this happened but I can assure you that you will be reunited! Your family is in my prayers! Much love!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorBri is the mom to four little people, the wife to a gentle giant, and a lover of Jesus. She's figuring out the best ways to parent by trial and error, and sharing her struggles, successes, and stories with you! Archives
June 2018
Categories |