It’s really difficult to find words I could put together which would explain the full extent of my emotions. Right now. At this specific moment. A piece of it can be found in the depths of the wonder and awe I find myself swimming in. Quite literally. The wonder and awe in God’s presence these past eleven months have been – uncharted parts of the journey that our family has been so blessed to enter in, most especially during this season in the life of the church. Advent.

A couple weeks ago, Rachel was invited to share a reflection for the Advent Small Faith Sharing Group Video Series. We share parts of our faith journey while loosing 10 children through miscarriage and the hopeful anticipation of welcoming a little one on earth that we can hold.

I’m humbled by the opportunity to offer an Advent reflection in the same time and space with a strong mother and beautiful spouse. She is raw. Vulnerable. Healed from the wounds of grief. Before, it was a grief that overshadowed and loomed over many years of our life, both individually and as a family. Now it is a grief that magnifies the hope proclaimed by the Gospel, which has transformed our family.

I echo the joy that comes from what Jesus’ expresses in these verses found both in Matthew 16:24 and Mark 8:34. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is how we’ve been called to grow closer to God through each and every step of the cross we have been given to carry.

However you have been called to grow closer to God with the cross you’ve been given, I hope you carry it and come with us during this season of anticipation.

We would be honored if you allowed our family to pray for you in a specific way. Send us an email on how we can pray for you during this time.

My prayer for this season of Advent is: For a heart softened to surrender. Surrender to a pride that often grips my first thought, emotion, and many times, words. All in expression to situations that could be given patience, grace and peace.

So, let us experience together what Advent offers – love, peace and hope. A hope that leads to joy. A joy that leads us to our salvation.

A special appreciation and thanks to Bill for being very patient with our responses as well as using your gifts to capture and stitch this story together.

In Deo confide,

Rex