Welcoming New Life—Zoey Shalom
Experiencing the invitation to celebrate with Jesus
A dear friend told me years ago that when you hold a newborn baby—all seems well with the world.
I could not agree more.
Please welcome with us the newest addition to our family—Zoey Shalom Brown. She is a gift in so many ways and we are grateful she is in our arms. She embodies peace for our family (as her name rightly states) and we could not be more in love with her.
Sometimes, as new seasons arrive, even if anticipated, they can hold unexpected twists and turns in our journeys. Last Wednesday I woke up anticipating a normal day—ending it in the hospital with doctors saying I wasn’t going to be leaving until I had a baby. Zoey dramatically made her entry into the world the next day (four weeks early) and after a couple of days needed more support with her breathing. I sat in the NICU praying deep, consistent breaths over this baby girl. I wonder what prayers God may be breathing into our lungs today? Thankfully, she has been released and is home—but wow, quite the head first tumble into a new season.
As our family has experienced immense grief and loss over the years, celebrating has become something that, at times, is hard and uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing a season of newness, or a spark of joy, a beacon of hope, a new life emerging—you have permission to celebrate today. Jesus not only tenderly holds our tears close, He also joyously dances with us in celebration!
How is Jesus celebrating with you today?
In a world where we hold our joys and griefs simultaneously—may we be invited into the dance of those sacred emotions with Jesus. Let His arms hold you gently as you sway, leap, twirl, and trip over your own feet—knowing you are always held in the hands of Love.
At this time, I will take a few weeks off from my regular emails to just be in the presence of this beautiful girl.
As I linger in her first days breathing in the air of this earth, I wanted to offer you, dear reader, the opportunity to linger in some of my previous posts that I have shared. Maybe you recently subscribed, or perhaps you just missed the post altogether. I pray that God invites you into a quieter space as you read and savor His invitations for you in this season.
A New Year Blessing (A blessing that is special as we hold new life!)
May you hold kindness for yourself and others as you experience the invitation of newness.
May you remember that newness is not always wanted, expected or planned for—and the pain of what was lost is held in the gentle hands of Jesus.
May you be invited to slow down today, to notice the weavings of God’s love throughout the tiniest details of your life.
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Congratulations! Praying for you and your family. Zoey Shalom is beautiful!
We praise you dear Lord for breathing life into sweet Zoey’s lungs 🙌