I am at the Inova-Alexandria hospital. I came here early this morning to watch my 28th grandchild come into the world. But the baby was breech and they have taken my daughter into surgery to do a C-section. While I've been waiting, I've been praying and thinking about this whole business of giving life—being a co-creator with God.I've heard it said that the birth process is the closest we get to God while in this life. I don't know if that is true but it makes sense because there are so many parallels between birth and the Atonement—emotional suffering, physical pain, blood shed and meeting the unexpected head on. And then comes the life.
Because my mother suffered and bled, I live. As Isaiah said of the Savior, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). As women we shed our blood monthly just for the possibility of one day giving life. And the Savior shed his blood for all just for the possibility that all would repent and turn to him. But perhaps the most important thing I've learned about the Atonement from giving birth is that when you suffer for someone, you love them more. Logic would tell me that if someone caused you that much pain and suffering, you would resent them or at least have an aversion toward them. But that's not how it is. The moment we see these little ones, our hearts overflow with love. They cause us pain, and yet we love them. It makes no sense, but it is very real.
As women, we should comprehend and relate more to the Atonement. We should ponder and learn more from our birthing experience about the Atonement and then help our children and husbands to understand more about the most important event in the history of mankind.
There is a baby crying down the hall. There is no sound in the world like that first cry—a cry for help and at the same time a cry of joy. That, too, is what the Atonement is all about.
Picture:
www.solarnavigator.net/animal_kingdom/animal
Congratulations again! Lots of love to go around. I love the parallels you've made here. Great food for thought!!!
ReplyDeletecongratulations to Patrea and Nick - and to you as well!
ReplyDeleteshe's here! what wonderful news! hope recovery goes well.
Happy thoughts - from Patrea's friend, Kirsten
I love it when you write about the Atonement and how it applies to our lives. (My cousin recently passed away and his sister just wrote and thanked me for posting a link to a couple of your recent posts. So thank you again for all you do to lift others through your writing!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on another grand child! :)
Wow I got all tingling when I read your post. It made me think that the Lord wants us to cry out to him and he is there to help us. I have been thinking about that part of the atonement later.. so the end of your post really helped me.We want to help our babies just like Christ wants to help us all we do is have to ask.
ReplyDeleteWow Sherri, that was beautiful. I love what you said great food for thought. I love you and am grateful that we are friends. God bless Tia and her new baby girl!
ReplyDeleteSherri,
ReplyDeleteThis touched me very deeply - especially at this time in my life. I learn so much from you every time I hear you speak (and read your blog). Thank you so much!!