We are ONE BODY

 (1 Corinthians 12:21-26 ESV)

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

I have always loved the scriptures that center on the Body of Christ. Knowing that it is not good for man to be alone, and that God has ordained ways for us to have companions by marriage and family, but also relationships in His Church, has always brought me comfort. Throughout my life, I have had the blessed privilege of experiencing service and love from other friends and family who are obediently and joyfully suffering or rejoicing with me. This last month has been no different. I owe many, many thanks to people I am privileged to call friends in the ways they have served our family after Evelyn’s birth with a meal provided for every night. On top of that, they have visited and wanted to help in any way with Jon Loran and my own adjustment to being a mother of 2. The phone calls, visits, help with moving furniture for Evelyn’s room to be set up, and meals have been a testimony of their commitment to serving the Body.

Then, when the gallbladder pain and episodes began, once again, Jason and I both have been humbled by their service. This isn’t just 1 or 2 people. I am learning what a community God has given us here in Knoxville over the last 4 years and what a comfort it is to have these relationships. We are RICH in the Body! One dear friend from church, after finding out about my need to have surgery, went to the grocery store and bought staples of the BRAT diet for my post-surgery needs. How thoughtful! Another amazing friend kept my newborn the day of my surgery on top of caring for her own 3 babes. My own mother drove up from Montgomery to stay with us and care for my family in my absence. I bet she didn’t expect she’d be up in the middle of the night doing newborn feedings again in her life, but she is doing it with joy. On top of these precious gifts, I just had a visit from one of our priests at the Anglican church we attend who came to pray for and bless me and our family during this time.

Bottom line is I am humbled by the way our Lord is wrapping his arms around me through these people in our lives. I pray that I always remember the ways He is providing for us even when times are difficult. The prayers, hugs, food, visits, and random acts of kindness are such obvious ways our Good Shepherd is caring for us. The Body of Christ is a gift. I have need of every one of you and you have need of me. We are one Body! What a beautiful picture of heaven!
Many thanks to those of you who are praying for us and serving us. May our God bless you the way he has used you to bless me!