We sometimes hesitate to share about our life. Seems strange to read this on a blog that exposes our convictions all over the place, but in reality, we pause–especially with our deepest convictions. Particularly with our conviction to love another child.
It may be scary, but we live a life of nonstop joy. Our hearts are free.
We know that some will not understand, grow frustrated with us or even angrily confront us. We already silently suffer through the nosey comments from neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. And we know that such confrontations will surely increase if we get more vocal about our lives. Judgment already exists for large families like ours, and we’re likely going to get it in the nose more and more as time rolls on. We’re not completely immune! Judgment like this hurts.
Perhaps it is technically persecution to be judged for following God’s conviction and having another child. But we must keep it in perspective: This is light-years from martyrdom. Our life is filled with unfettered, nonstop, compounded joy.
This joy is the direct consequence of having so many blessings running around the house, which is, frankly, a direct result of following our personal convictions. Let the judgments come; our hearts are free.
Perhaps this is what Paul James meant when he says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). I always thought this verse strange, but after 23 years of following Christ, it doesn’t seem so strange anymore. Here I am, surrounded by joy, and the fear of the past seems so petty now.
You know what would be a true downer? Living with a house empty of blessings, knowing full well that God had been calling us to something bigger, something better than the status quo.
So we have no choice. We can’t (nor do we want to) hesitate. Our conviction to “love another child” must continue to be shared.
About Chris & Wendy Jeub
