sent to my dear friends Christina and Tyler Hobbs, and instantly became the
precious and beloved little brother to Cayden Lukas Hobbs. Christina and
Tyler were overjoyed for his arrival. Two things I know about Christina: She loves
her God, and she loves her family—she is crazy about her boys.
Christina has been such a blessing to me. Anyone who knows her knows that
she is one of the kindest, most energetic, most joyful souls you will meet. She
is a ray of sunshine; her smile alone will brighten your day. Seeing her journey
through marriage and motherhood has been a truly neat experience; Christina and
Tyler are such loving and devoted parents, it is easy for anyone to see that
parenthood was a very clear calling for the two of them. Since they moved to
Austin I have followed their journey through photos, blog entries, and checking
in on them in the midst of our crazy schedules, and I always enjoy hearing and
seeing what the family is up to.
On Wednesday, July 17th I woke up to the news of Bennett’s birth announcement
and was both excited and relieved to hear about a healthy baby boy and momma.
Christina documented the experience in a very touching and blog entry with some
sweet and personal photos of their stay at the hospital for his arrival—they looked like
such a picture-perfect family! I thanked God for their health and praised Him
for the creation of this beautiful life. I knew Bennett would bring so much joy to
the Hobbs and Birkeneder families.
But just a short week after Bennett’s birth I received news that he very
suddenly landed in the NICU. All I knew was that he was very sick, and was in
the midst of undergoing a series tests and evaluations. Although the information
was very limited (this was such a personal, scary, and sensitive time for the
family) I knew that Bennett had stopped breathing entirely at least one time. My
heart sunk for my friends. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like, to take
your tiny, newborn baby into a big, scary hospital with no idea of what was
happening or would happen to him. This helpless little boy was surrounded by
strangers and machines without answers or assurance, and I can only imagine this
would quite easily be any mother’s worst nightmare. But what happened in the
next few days is a true testament to my friends’ faith.
Prayers came flowing in from all over the country for baby Bennett, and
let me tell you, the power of prayer simply cannot be denied. Christina and her
entire family amazed me with their faithful example. Despite the terrifying
circumstances, they focused their energy on praising and trusting God, who they
knew to be big and strong enough to cover all of their problems. Despite all the
unknown, they thanked God for the life of sweet Bennett and for His mercies and
held onto hope that the ultimate healer would restore him back to health. They
asked for prayers, for healing, and for the revelation of his ailment so that
treatment could begin. They acknowledged that God is good and sovereign.
The doctors diagnosed Bennett with viral meningitis, which I later
learned was surprisingly good news, as this would be treatable, and would not
cause the possible lifelong damage that bacterial meningitis could. Christina
and her sisters posted updates as treatments began and his condition improved,
and the outpour of love, prayers and praise was overwhelming. Everyone was so
glad to see his condition improve and stabilize so quickly (in a matter of
DAYS), given the prognosis and expectation that it could be weeks before healing
began. Everyone was sure to give the glory to God for this miracle. By that
Sunday we all received the exciting news that Bennett’s health had improved
enough for him to be discharged, and the whole family would head home together!
Christina’s blog is called “Miracle”, and that could not be more fitting for the
healing power God sent in such a short time.
I know this was a terrifying and emotional experience for everyone who
loves Tyler, Christina, Cayden and Bennett, but I couldn’t be more proud of my
friends for the example of faithfulness and trust they displayed. They trusted
that God loved this child more than they could even imagine. How powerful of a
message and realization this was about the precious fragility of life. Praise
God for taking His child into His hands and sending healing to Bennett. Praise
God for the peace and increased faithfulness he embedded into the families and
their hearts in this time of need. And praise God for His mercies. I am
overwhelmed with emotion that this story has a happy ending. We are all thankful
for this beautiful little life and the lessons he has already taught all of us,
without even knowing!
For the full story, Christina’s blog is: http://chobbspot.blogspot.com/2013/07/miracle.html .
Be prepared to cry; her words will touch your heart
and are truly convicting. I am so proud of my friends and their amazing example and I am very thankful that they allowed me to
share their story!