We are often asked by young or expecting parents, did you schedule prenatal testing before Isaiah was born? The answer is yes, it was actually required for us because of my “experienced age” (ha!), but regardless of what the medical results showed with all the greatest access to the best testing, we were still thrown a curve ball when Isaiah was born. Reality is, the “what ifs” easily cloud a new parent’s mind and can frighten the strongest of believers. For us, turning to the bible eases all our fears and reassures us that our hope and our faith is in our Heavenly Father and that He makes no mistakes.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans for a hope and a future”
Jeremiah 29:11
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart”.
Jeremiah 1:5
It humbles ours hearts to hear from followers across the country who struggle with the very same decisions that faced us, the decisions that face every family. A special young father wrote us a few months back and offered to share his story alongside his expecting wife, Taylor. For the new and expecting parents, this story may resonate with you, and we hope you return to the bible verses above. They will be your strength.
“I have a young-ish family – 13 month old baby boy, named Conor, and expecting wife, Taylor. Due to Taylor conceiving at 37 years old with our second baby, we often wrestle with the “what if”. I know there are tests to take along the way, and we’ve opted out twice because we trust there is a plan for us and our young family. God will help us through whatever comes out way, and there are blessings in families that I don’t think I ever understood until I brought a child into this world.
I’m not overly religious… but I really appreciate your family’s honesty and willingness to share your story. I hope that if life ever throws me a curve ball, I’ll be able to have the strength that you and Paul have.
We love the PGA at my house. Most weekends we watch golf, so hearing the outpouring of support that came from the PGA is refreshing in today’s world. For my son Conor, I know that rooting for guys on the PGA is more than rooting for a great family. It’s rooting for people that excel in life. He can barely walk today, but hopefully by the time the Deutsche Bank Tournament rolls around, we can walk the course and see some of the great athletes on Tour.”
We are so thankful that people have watched Isaiah’s story, God’s story, and opened up their hearts to us. To this sweet family, Brendan, Taylor, Conor and “baby #2”, we say thank you. We encourage you to give all your worries and cares to Jesus. He knows the plans He has for your young family! While His plans may not always match our plans, we know they are PERFECT.
Wishing you all the very best week, and encourage you all to put in a little prayer for our all of our friends who are expecting.
God bless!