Please Join Us in Praying for a Miracle
Thank many of you for your recent prayers. It’s been a very tough week as we learned about the likely genetic disorder of our second son. Please join with us in praying for a miracle.
Lisa is able to explain the situation best. Below is a message from her.
Josh and I have some news to share with you.
September 29th – We went to a 3D/4D place to finally find out the gender of our lil nugget of joy. We found out it is a BOY! ☺
But while watching the 4d we also discovered an abnormally large mass extending from the baby’s belly. The technician had never seen anything like it and advised us to show the pictures to our doctor. So we set up an appointment.
September 30th – We have just learned earlier this morning that God made our baby boy “extra” special. In fact it seems that God may have given our precious baby boy an extra chromosome. This means he probably has some sort of Down Syndrome. Along with the extra chromosome the Dr. expressed concern in other areas too: Umbilical Hernia, Abnormal Heart, Spine and Skull development. I am 18 weeks right now. He may not make it full term, He may be still born, He may live only a short time or he may live a happy extended life. It’s all in God’s good will. We wish to know and love this precious boy in every way that we can.
Naturally, I am having a tough time dealing with the recent news. The constant thoughts that I am thinking are endless. I know to trust God in all things and He has a plan bigger than I could imagine. It is just a hard time wondering if we’ll ever get to meet our little guy. Wishing to hold him, nurture him with unconditional love and to slobber him with so many hugs and kisses that he tells us to stop!!! ☺
October 4th – We had a follow up appointment today with a counselor and a fetal specialist. The counselor went over the information and told us that the previous diagnosis wasn’t exactly what they saw. They are pretty sure it’s not Down Syndrome (which is actually what we were hoping for given the mortality rate of the other options.)
We got positive and negative news:
Positive- Heart and spine are looking perfectly normal! Yay!
Negative- Our baby boy probably has Trisomy 13 or 18 which is fatal, and he has severe brain abnormalities which would result in him not being able to function with out tubes or help even if he was to make it full term. His brain is supposed to have a left and right hemisphere distinctly separated; unfortunately, his is all together in the front. (I guess the back is fine). He in fact does have an umbilical hernia and clinched fists.
So here we are praying that God works a miracle in the health of our baby. We are so desperate to have God save our 2nd son and allow him to live a very long and healthy life. We aren’t asking for a free pass or a smooth ride. We know it will be tough. I think we just want to know our baby and love him as much as we do Jake.
I find comfort in knowing that if he did pass in the comfort of my womb that he goes straight to heaven with God and all the other “extra” special babies. And as hard as that is to type with tears filled in my eyes I know it’s true. I know that in the moments when I am crying so hard and I have to remind myself how to breathe that God is in control. This precious life will not go to waste and he has already changed my life.
We are praying with each appointment that we hear more positive news and humbly putting our trust in God.
trisomy 8 days video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ESC9zEOcgU
99 balloons video :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0
Thank you all for your prayers,
Josh, Lisa, and Family
37 Responses to “Please Join Us in Praying for a Miracle”
I am reading this heartbroken. I can barely see the computer screen. I believe in a big God. A healing God. A miraculous God. But this doesn’t make this any better.
I have read many stories of couples going through this journey with their unborn children, but it is so different when it is your friends…those you know. I am so sorry you have to bear this. Dan and I are praying for you two, for Lisa, for your miracle son.
The Harper family.
Its amazing how you guys are able to find all this out now before he’s born.
I’m sorry to hear about your son. :/ Can’t imagine what you guys are going through. I’ll be praying for you guys.
WOW! I am PRAYING for you all and especially for your little boy!! GOD IS a BIG GOD… =) I just want to give you a HUGE HUG!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
cheryl yost says: I will be praying for all of you! I will be praying for the health and life of your little boy and peace for all of you. Please keep us posted!
Cherie
Brianna says: I don’t know you personally but want you to know that my family is praying for you. I’ve had to learn to trust God this year in ways I never could have imagined. It’s so hard sometimes to understand his ways. I assure you now matter what happens that you will be a stronger person and your relationship with God will grow in ways you couldn’t have imagined. Lean on him!
Kimberly Hutchins says: Lisa and Josh,
I cry as I write this to you. I am so saddened with your news. I lost our first baby to trisomy 22 at 8 weeks, and it still makes me very sad, but I know he/she is with Jesus. I pray you have a miracle and/or peace to know His Grace and His love is with your baby.
Peace and Grace be with you,
Kimberly and Jeff
Enid Carroll says: Dearest Josh, Lisa and Jake,
Well, if it’s any comfort at all, God sure trusts you guys with the BIG STUFF. I’m so sorry this is happening to you, and of course I will be praying with you through this. I’m asking God to take that precious little guy and turn him into a great big blessing. We love you so much and hope you can feel our hugs!!!
Cathy Griffin says: Oh Lisa and Josh, I am crying for you as I type this. I am so sorry. I will be praying-for whatever God has in his plan for your precious baby boy-be it a miracle here on earth or to take him to heaven. Love you guys. Cathy Griffin
David Hendrickson says: Wow, I had no idea what this was all about until this morning. I’m really sorry about all of this. I’m still praying for a miracle for your son. Be thankful you were able to find all of this out now so we can at least pray about it. Hold fast to the Word and promptings of the Spirit. God bless you guys!!!
David
Chandra says: Josh & Lisa,
I’m so sorry to hear all of this but I pray that whatever happens, you would remember there is so much love for you from the Lord and from all of us. My family is definitely praying. We are all only an email/phone call away and the Lord is even closer than you can imagine in all of the hurt & brokenness.
Chandra
Trevor Harden says: Josh and Lisa-
Your friends here have said so much. I too will be lifting you guys up. Your faith and faithfulness is telling; and may God’s love hold each of you.
Trevor
Michelle Heydorn says: We are praying for you and your family….praying for God’s strength and peace to cover you as you walk through this time of so many unknowns. Love you….
Angela Linzay says: I just read this and I have tears for you. Not because I don’t think God can do a miracle, but because I am a parent and understand your hopes and dreams for this precious baby boy. I also understand how difficult and overwhelming it could be at this point in your life when you’ve moved to a new place and starting a new church. I am praying for you and Josh and this amazing miracle growing inside your body. He is already so loved! Isn’t it comforting to know that although you love him more than words can express, that God loves him even MORE than you could ever dream of? He is the Great Physician and I will be praying for BIG things to happen. 
Danielle Freed says: Praying for you and with you.
John and Danielle
Jennifer Kunkel says: We are praying for you and your family. Ben and I have been through three miscarriages and one of our babies died of trisomy 18. My heart aches for you. I know that nothing anyone says will make you feel better or change your circumstances, but we will pray for you and your precious baby boy!!!
beccaberry says: Josh and Lisa,
I’m at a loss for words, guys. I’m praying that God works a miracle in the unborn life of this precious gift from Him. We have no reason why God does certain things sometimes, but I KNOW He doesn’t give us more than we can handle, as crazy as that may seem right now. He knows you’re giving all you have. He will supply you with the rest. Guys, my family loves you so much and we are ALL praying for you guys-Josh, Lis, Jakiebear and Nuggeteer. We love all of you!
I’m here for you. Whatever you need. You have my number,email,facebook, etc. Whatever you need. I’m here.
He does the impossible. Just watch and stand amazed..
Diane Mann says: Your little baby is already touching our lives too. Holding you all in prayer as God holds you in His tender, gracious, life-sustaining care.
Jenna K. says: I can only echo what Diane said about your baby already touching our lives…He will indeed reveal Christ to all of us in such a unique and special way. As the video you pointed us to reminds us, God uses “the weak things of this world” to do mighty things and reveal Himself to us. Oh, how He loves us. Justin, Jayden, and I are praying for you and wish to help in anyway we can…please use this as a free pass to call anytime with ANYTHING!
Gregg Owens says: Life is fragile. No getting around that one. None of us make it out alive.
Children are only on loan from God for us to care for and learn Life is fragile. No getting around that one. None of us make it out alive.
Children are only on loan from God for us to care for and learn to love in very deep way (and then we begin to understand the depth of love God has for us – His children). It is out of this deep love for our children that we hurt so much when they are ill or face struggles.
Every hair on his head is already counted, every cell in his body is known by our God. With the abrupt passing of my wife last year, I have come to accept that God is much more able to take care of our loved ones far better than we can, thus if God calls one of our loved ones home, only joy awaits them.
Your son, in the womb and out of the womb is in good hands – God’s hands. I am sorry you must endure this season but I am glad you (and those who know of your situation) can grow from it. For life is a gift, one we overlook so easily in our rush of modern life. Blessing upon your little family!
to love in very deep ways (and then we begin to understand the depth of love God has for us – His children). It is out of this deep love for our children that we hurt so much when they are ill or face struggles.
Every hair on his head is already counted, every cell in his body is known by our God. With the abrupt passing of my wife last year, I have come to eaccept that God is much more able to take care of our loved ones far better than we can. Thus if God calls one of our us home, only joy awaits them.
Your son, in the womb and out of the womb is in good hands – God’s hands. I am sorry you must endure this season but I am glad you (and those who know of your situation) can grow from it. For life is a gift, one we overlook so easily in our rush of modern life. Blessing upon your little family.
Dave Ambrose says: Please know we’re praying for you all!
Mary Todd says: My heart is so heavy, I have no words. All I can offer you is my daily prayers. Know that you and your two sons are deeply loved.
Joanna says: I can only imagine the emotions that you are experiencing and pray right now for God’s healing power for the baby, comfort and hope for your family, and wisdom for the Doctors.
An anonymous praying friend says: I have a friend who has gone through a remarkably similar journey this year. Her faith through all of it is a testament to God’s unfailing power. If you’d like to read her story, she put it all online at betterisonedayinhiscourts.blogspot.com. We will be praying for you.
Cortney says: I am a friend of Michelle Bradley’s and I just saw her post with regard to your situation. I commend you so much for your unending trust in God, your commitment to the power of prayer, and your eternal love for your little boy. I also believe that through God anything is possible, and I will be sure to keep you and your family in my prayers. God’s grace will see you through, and that little man in very lucky to have such a wonderful mom.
God bless,
Cortney
Janey says: Your story touched my heart so much and it hit very close to home because my Granddaughter is expecting and she is also due in late February. She is carrying a baby girl and I can’t help but worry about her and the baby’s health. You and Josh are definitely experiencing one of life’s devastating circumstaces and there is little in this human world can give you the comfort, peace and hope that you so desperately need. But God can. He is hearing every single prayer being said for your precious son and your family. He will not abandon you no matter what the outcome is. I will pray hard for a healing miracle and that you get to see your little boy and hold him and love him hopefully for many, many, many years. He is already blessed because he has such loving, caring, awesome parents. Along with prayer I am also sending a warm hug. With love from Union City.
Chuck says: I’m praying for God’s will and his comfort for you all.
Gail Guge says: God has blessed me with many miracles in my life – even the ones I didn’t recognize – may He hold you all in the palm of His hand and ever nearer to His heart – the source of all love and hope.
Ryan mckeehan says: Josh and Lisa I received a email from my friends at work, I know not many words can comfort you at this time, and I can’t say I can relate. But Me and wife just had our first baby boy he came 5 weeks early and there was alot of concerns with his possible health I laid up at night praying crying but trusting in the lord that he had his hand of protection on him in the womb and our GOD is the master physician and can touch and do anything. As he did my boy was born and walked out of the hospital 3 days later with us as i know your boy will to, he’s counted you guys worthy to deal with hard situations remember he doesn’t give us more than we can handle you guys will be a true testimony of faith and relying on the lord in good times and the not so good times… Lastly I respect you guys very much some people would terminate pregnancy based on what you learned but you guys loved your boy more I have a friend at work who was told similar things that the baby wouldn’t make it or have issues and to have a abortion fortunately they are Christians and no GOD has a plan and today they have a healthy 8 month old.. So be strong be courageous do not be terrified or discouraged for your lord GOD is with you always.GOD BLESS
Maureen Hindman says: Josh and Lisa,
Lisa,I haven’t actually met you but I met Josh through my daughter Kristi, while they were both at Depauw. Your story tugs at my heart. I am sitting in my classroom crying and I haven’t cried over our babies going to heaven early for a few years.(Gretchen Ann and Elizabeth Ann) There are several reasons I write to you today: I thank you for sharing this struggle with all of us. It blesses me to recall when our twins decided to come early into this world and then to leave early and go to heaven. You ask for a miracle and I pray that happens but many miracles have already happened through your little son. He has made all of us realize how precious our lives are even without saying a word. Finally, a blessing for you and others that have lost a child, God has chosen both of you to actually know what it was like for God Himself to give His only Son and watch Him die innocently. You know the pain and agony that our Lord experienced on that day. This is not the type of blessing that most of us pray for but it creates a bond that cannot be taken away. I pray for a miracle of healing for your little guy and I pray for your family. Lean on our Lord and lean on each other. Please call me if you need anything.
Maureen Hindman
Connie Burroughs says: Josh and Lisa,
I’m reading this on Christa’s facebook. Please know that we will be praying with you for a miracle!
Love and prayer,
Connie
Dennis and Pam Pratt says: We have been so concerned about both of you and your son since we heard the news. We are praying daily for divine wisdom for you and for healing for your baby. I went to church last night and volunteered for the first time in the children’s ministry. My job was to listen to these little ones recite a scripture that they were given. I heard this scripture being said about 50 times as they tried to memorize God’s word, and each time a little voice recited that scripture I thought of both of you. God’s word was “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I know you will carry God’s word close to your heart during these difficult times. We will also be praying for your ministry. Even in these uncertain times you both are still strong servants for God. Our Love to You
Dennis and Pam
Sra. Glenn says: Josh and Lisa,
It is hard to know the “right” thing to say in challenges like yours. Unfortunately, the Christian life is not always an easy path. My prayer for you and your baby: Heavenly Father, I pray for one of your divine miracles for the healing of this precious child. I also pray that you show Josh & Lisa what you want them to learn from the challenges that they face. Enable them to always turn to you and honestly share their feelings and for them to always feel your love. Help them to hear your voice guiding them through the challenges they face to supernatural peace and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray this for your devouted servants. Amen
Jan Caudle says: I just found out today about your baby. God chooses special people for special children. I know that words cannot comfort you now, but know that I am praying for you, Jacob and your baby.
Thoughts and prayers.
Jan Caudle
Hi Josh & Lisa,
I was sent to your blog by a friend and so glad I was. We went through a very familiar situation last year with our baby boy Seth Taylor. Remember that our God is a God of miracles and all things are possible with Him. So I will join with you in prayer for your precious baby boy and pray for a complete healing and will definitely be lifting you guys up everyday as we know exactly what you are going through right now. The Lord gave me Isaiah 41:10 to cling to and I hope this verse might encourage you also. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
No matter what happens, He will carry you through!! God bless you!
Megan Shrewsberry
Just read Bridget Ryan’s request to pray for your family. My brother was born with Trisomy 13. I will lift your baby boy in prayer.
Audrey Stith says: Lisa,
I read your post. I know our God is in charge of all things and this has not taken him by surprise. I will join you in praying for the miracle for your precious baby. Iehovah Rapha: our God who heals, is hearing and receiving our prayers.
Love you!
Audrey Stith
Josh and Lisa, I just read this. Wow. We will begin praying immediately. Know that we are thinking of you and that we will pray for God to do a miracle. Of course we know that even if He doesn’t, He is still good, and he does good.
Although we do not know you well, we know your hearts. And that makes it possible for us to say that we love you both. Please keep us posted.