On Tuesday we met with a pediatric cardiologist who confirmed that Lily’s heart has several problems. We discussed treatment options and Blake and I walked away with a clearer picture of what the ever elusive future may hold for Lily in terms of delivery and the procedures that will take place after her birth. We patiently listened as the doctor explained Lily’s need for early intervention in the form of a heart cath and pulmonary valvuloplasty. He explained that, if this procedure doesn’t work, Lily will need to begin a series of 3 surgeries over the next 3 years. The good news is that Lily’s right ventricle, which was originally thought to be too small, though under-sized, is pumping blood through to the left ventricle at this time, thereby allowing the possibility for growth of the right side should the pulmonary valve be opened. Tears flowed briefly as the news settled upon us like a heavy blanket on a hot day.
It is overwhelming for a mother to think about her baby having to undergo so much at such a tender age. Yet I know that she is not alone. God has her heart perfectly held in His mighty hands. The Father is so tenderly knitting her together even now. I am beseeching you to continue praying for our little Lily. I was pondering today how many times we are commanded to pray in Scripture on behalf of others. I feel like I am breathing prayers every minute. Though they seem small and ineffective, I know that my Father is listening.
When the disciples asked Jesus how many times they had to forgive their neighbors, Jesus directed them to forgive not only seven times but seventy times seven times and beyond. He amazed those around Him by informing them that in the same way they forgive, the Father would forgive them. I can’t help but wonder if this paradoxical approach to forgiveness also could be applied to our prayer life. I find my heart asking, “Lord, how often should I pray? Seven times a week?” He replies through the Psalms and throughout the New Testament teachings of Jesus, Paul, and others. Not seven times but seventy times seven, I am reminded.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and
always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18
Until the return of our King, my prayers are powerful and effective as a child of God. And He is listening, even desiring and urging us, His children, to come before the throne with our requests and praises. May our prayers for each other continue to multiply and stretch to infinity and beyond as we seek the kindness of our Father’s grace.
Please pray that God will open the pulmonary valve so that blood can pump from Lily's heart to her lungs effectively. Please pray for the interactions we will have with doctors, nurses, and staff throughout this process. We desire to be a strong witness for Christ wherever we are and in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. Pray that God will strengthen and prepare us foe the challenges that may await us. May God be glorified in our prayers. Thank you one and all for your support!
Stay tuned for updates on McKinney Life 101.
I have been praying that God would continue to "knit" Lily "together in her mother's womb" and will continue to do so until the day she arrives. I also pray that God would give you guys peace during this time, and allow you to rest in his arms.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Beth
Thank you for this update- I will keep the 3 of you in my prayers. I am encouraged by what you wrote on prayer...in the midst of Davin's 8 months of cancer treatments I too have found myself asking "Lord, how often should I pray?" Thanks again for posting this. Love, Lauren
ReplyDeleteYes, How many times should we pray? I guess until God says that's enough. I KNOW he will bless your faithfulness. I pray he heals your daughter. I am confident that he hears all of our prayers, every single prayer and revelations says he sits among the prayers of the Saints, while seated on his throne...."and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel." I can imagine our Heavenly Father breathing in our prayers mixed with incense. I am also confident that when we pray....he moves in a mighty way. So we pray.....with the rest of the Body. Be assured little one.....God has you in his hands and you are dearly loved. Be at peace parents. The body of Christ waits and prays with you.
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