Approaching our fifth wedding anniversary, we were washed with grief over losing a child through miscarriage. In time, we learned I was expecting again. During my third visit to the obstetrician, however, I received heartbreaking news: our special needs child had a two percent chance of survival.​

 

Our prayers never ceased even as I rounded thirty weeks of pregnancy. At this point, concerns multiplied, not just for our child, but now too for my husband who anticipated heart surgery. My husband's surgery was seemingly successful, however, his recovery plans were drastically altered when my obstetrician ordered me to immediate bed rest and regular monitoring of our unborn child.

 

Our worries compounded over the next few weeks. Realizing my husband’s heart was compressing into ever slower beats, his cardiologist ordered him to visit the emergency room which resulted in an emergency heart surgery. ​All this time I held steadfast to prayer, feeling God’s assurance of sustained life. But, now with an unstable pregnancy and my husband's life holding in the balance, doubt entered my mind. Did I misunderstand God? Did I hear Him wrong? My mind ventured down a path of fear, facing the reality that I might go home without a husband to hug or a daughter to hold. Drowning in helplessness, I incessantly implored for God’s mercy and grace.​ During my husband’s second heart surgery, labor pains surged my body (36 weeks gestation). By God’s grace, my husband’s surgery was successful and within twenty-four hours our daughter was born…alive!

 

As my fingers stroked her red hair, tears trickled down my face. Given her delicate condition, she was whisked from my arms and rushed via ambulance for a life-saving heart surgery. Suffocating from grief, a sudden warmth wrapped around me, emitting an indescribable peace. I heard a distinct voice, “Have you not listened? Everything will be okay. I am with you.” Hours grew into days and my daughter began to recover. As weeks and months passed, I continued to feel God’s presence and strength. Eventually, we brought our little girl home…together!​

 

While health-related worries still encompass our lives, I am thankful for the compounding moments of experiential growth. Each day Psalm 90:12 echoes in my mind “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I thank God for the gift of eternal life in Jesus and continually seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how best to steward my time here on earth.

 

I have resolved to live a life of service at the feet of Jesus, never settling for idleness until I am at eternal rest.​Philippians 2:1-11 reminds us to love one another in all we do, taking on the very nature of a servant. My heart is to share valuable lessons I have learned as a parent and homeschool mom to help others. I carry out this mission by caring for my family, educating and discipling my children at home, and serving the homeschool community. I offer encouragement and advice through my articles, books, and other resources. My radio show interviews are aired on KPPF PowerTalk radio in the Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. You can tune in to 1040AM, 98.5FM, or 95.7FM or listen live at PowerTalk1040.com from anywhere in the world on Saturdays at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and Sundays at 10:00 AM. Past interviews are available on PowerTalk1040, on Podbean, and on YouTube. Over the years, I have also spoken at several venues: a ladies' conference at Grace Community Church, and several homeschool venues including many homeschool conferences. I have also consulted with thousands of homeschool families over the years.

 

​With all of my heart, I thank you for visiting this space, reading my story, and supporting the mission behind Inspirational Homeschooling.​

 

-Yvonne Strachan