A picture is worth a thousand feelings

You ever have those moments, when you’re looking through photos, or someone sends you a photo that floods your brain with a plethora of memories?

And, each memory is attached with its own feeling(s)?

For me, it happened a couple of days ago when my Brasilian sister sent me some photos of our time in Brasil for her wedding.

It was an amazing time.

Exploring another country with her family and mine to celebrate a wonderful occasion.

Beaches, good food, friends, and more.

But, also laced within those photos are memories of an impending, unforeseen heavy season upon our return to the states.

I love the capture of this photo.

It highlights Brent as a dad: playing with his kid, making memories, and pushing through not feeling well.

Because, during this time, he was jumping back and forth from feeling okay to spiking a high fever without any idea of cause.

And, this photo, capturing a moment on the beautiful beach at night: making memories, laughing, enjoying the company of one another.

Yet, that following night Brent went down again with another fever.

These seemingly innocent, joy filled photos also brought back grief, worry, and sadness.

Those of you who know our story during this season know upon our return we headed to the hospital.

It led us to Brent having a 28 day stay in the hospital.

Spending almost a week on a ventilator.

Multiple surgeries within a few days.

Him learning to walk all over again.

Me crying out in the shower for God to not take him.

Me dragging my very sick husband through the Miami airport so we could just get home.

Friends loving on us with food, prayer, childcare, housekeeping, and funds.

Me experiencing this all while 8 weeks pregnant.

These memories and feelings are more palpable right now since we’re approaching our anniversary of this time in our lives.

A time when God held us all together.

A time of uncertainty.

A time of gratefulness.

A time of fear.

And, a time that impacted our lives more than we realize sometimes.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share the details of season with you all.

What I hope to communicate is the big-ness of our God.

How he is working for our good in the midst of trials.

Because, our God is awesome, no matter our life circumstances.