Before too much time goes by, I’d like to tell you the story of Hope. As some of you know, we actually thought she was Jonan. Are you confused yet? You see, the technician doing our ultra sound about five months ago, told us she was a boy. And I was really excited. Because I really like boys. If she had told us that we were having a girl, I probably would have cried…disappointed tears. Let me tell you why–here’s a glimpse of the questions that have gone through my head:

What would I ever do with a girl? What if I have a girl and she ends up being the kind of little girl I was? Girls are just too complicated, right? Oh, and what if she doesn’t like me? What if she doesn’t want to be my friend?

Well, it happened. I will always remember the moment the doctor handed me this little one for the first time and my initial thought was, “Oh…he looks just like his brother.” My next audible thought was, “Oh wait…is that a GIRL?”

For a few seconds, everyone got quiet. Then we laughed. More of a nervous laughter. And then for the next several hours, Brent and I were in a state of shock. We just couldn’t get our minds around it.

But we were gonna name him Jonan Justus! And we don’t even have anything pink! A girl? Really? But we don’t even know what to do with a girl!

That night, I lay in the dark of the hospital room and prayed.

Dear Jesus…I’m just so scared. I had never imagined we would have a girl. I feel so guilty for telling You this, but I think I might be disappointed. Please, please forgive me. I would never want her to feel for one moment of her life anything but complete and overwhelming love and acceptance from me. I want to embrace her. Give me Your love for her.”

Scarcely had I finished my feeble prayer, when the most amazing thing happened. All this love came! Tenderly adoring, wildly accepting, all embracing love!

I haven’t been the same since.

None of us have. We all adore her. She’s our favorite little girl in the whole earth of the world!

Even her Bubby is quite fond of her. Though, he is now learning lessons in how to be gentle and easy!

After all, who could not be glad for Hope?

And someday I’ll tell you why we named her that.

But for now, I’m just treasuring all these moments with her. She’ll be a grown-up way too soon. I may have to say “no” to a few seemingly important things in order to hold her just a little longer.

And I plan to love her with all the love that Jesus gives…which is a lot…like more than a heart can hold…enough to last a whole life.

Thank You, Lord, for Hope!