Comments on: On Brokenness http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/ News and prayer requests Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:00:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Amie http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2424 Amie Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:30:46 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2424 I'm catching up on the oh-so-gorgeous Ramona Mae happenings after my own sojourn to the land of no internet. Your post reminded me of a slightly hokey, but still truthful, story/fable I recently read: An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water, while the cracked pot arrived half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home 1.5 pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. One day the pot spoke to the woman: "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house." The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not the other? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years, I have had flowers to decorate my table and beautify my life." "Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace our house." Each of us has our own unique flaw (or many flaws). You have to take each person for what they are and find the joy and the good in what they offer. I know it doesn't resolve the debate of the day, or stop the what if's from swirling through your head, but I think of Ramona as an amazing part of the patchwork of life. She's just a bitty baby, but has brought out so much good and love. I'm praying for you and for some peace and wisdom on this crazy journey you're on. Much love- Amie I’m catching up on the oh-so-gorgeous Ramona Mae happenings after my own sojourn to the land of no internet. Your post reminded me of a slightly hokey, but still truthful, story/fable I recently read:

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water, while the cracked pot arrived half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home 1.5 pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

One day the pot spoke to the woman: “I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not the other? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years, I have had flowers to decorate my table and beautify my life.”

“Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace our house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaw (or many flaws). You have to take each person for what they are and find the joy and the good in what they offer.

I know it doesn’t resolve the debate of the day, or stop the what if’s from swirling through your head, but I think of Ramona as an amazing part of the patchwork of life. She’s just a bitty baby, but has brought out so much good and love.

I’m praying for you and for some peace and wisdom on this crazy journey you’re on.

Much love-
Amie

]]> By: jacqueline desisles http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2423 jacqueline desisles Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:23:07 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2423 dear jane, i sit here, now years from your experience...or do i? brokeness comes in all kinds of packages...i think the worst is the kind you can not see...the kind you can not take to the hospital...the kind of pain that is born of an inner sickness..i can not fix those i love anymore than you can fix yours and it tears at my heart every day....every single day..and i want to ask HIM...just what is it you want from me...if i cry harder, beg more, believe past believing, will you bend your ear this time...and the thing that really slays me is i really believe in the BIG Miracle...the one that will turn heads and hearts...I do...I do... I don't have any easy answers for you Jane..or for myself....but if I had to choose to keep believing or to cash it in for bitterness and despair...well, i would choose to believe...even whlie I wait to see the promise of HIS love made real..because I NEED something to hold on to.... hang in there kids...you are in my thoughts and prayers.. love, a jackie dear jane,

i sit here, now years from your experience…or do i? brokeness comes in all kinds of packages…i think the worst is the kind you can not see…the kind you can not take to the hospital…the kind of pain that is born of an inner sickness..i can not fix those i love anymore than you can fix yours and it tears at my heart every day….every single day..and i want to ask HIM…just what is it you want from me…if i cry harder, beg more, believe past believing, will you bend your ear this time…and the thing that really slays me is i really believe in the BIG Miracle…the one that will turn heads and hearts…I do…I do…
I don’t have any easy answers for you Jane..or for myself….but if I had to choose to keep believing or to cash it in for bitterness and despair…well, i would choose to believe…even whlie I wait to see the promise of HIS love made real..because I NEED something to hold on to….
hang in there kids…you are in my thoughts and prayers..
love,
a jackie

]]> By: Dina http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2341 Dina Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:48:05 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2341 I just have to add that I wish chubby looked as good on me as it does on Sweet Ramona! She's adorable. I just have to add that I wish chubby looked as good on me as it does on Sweet Ramona! She’s adorable.

]]> By: Allison http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2338 Allison Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:13:03 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2338 Look! No oxygen! And I'm not even purple! How exciting... Look! No oxygen! And I’m not even purple! How exciting…

]]> By: Bianca :) http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2337 Bianca :) Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:48:15 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2337 Dear Jane and Andy: Hello, I hope that this note finds you well. I think the photos really show how your daughter is healing. It may be a slow journey, but the evidence is there. As many have mentioned, I don't have the answers, but I believe that we are all designed as incomplete and that we need God in the form of the people we are surrounded by in our lifetime (be it family, friends, acquaintances, etc.) to fully become who we are destined to be based on His plan for each of us. May every moment continue to be a loving, learning, growing experience for everyone in the family (even through the difficult periods). We've never met, but your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. Keep smiling and God bless! Dear Jane and Andy:

Hello, I hope that this note finds you well.

I think the photos really show how your daughter is healing. It may be a slow journey, but the evidence is there.

As many have mentioned, I don’t have the answers, but I believe that we are all designed as incomplete and that we need God in the form of the people we are surrounded by in our lifetime (be it family, friends, acquaintances, etc.) to fully become who we are destined to be based on His plan for each of us.

May every moment continue to be a loving, learning, growing experience for everyone in the family (even through the difficult periods).
We’ve never met, but your family is always in my thoughts and prayers.

Keep smiling and God bless!

]]> By: Rachel Wofford http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2336 Rachel Wofford Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:03:43 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2336 I think you hit it on the head when you say that you are both feeling like others have it better and that children are a blessing. After my miscarriage I kept looking at anyone with 2 or more kids as so lucky compared to me...why couldn't I have it easy like them? But now that I'm farther removed from it, that seems so ridiculous. There are so many people that don't have what each of us defines as the "perfect" life. For that matter, our definition seems to change depending on what we're going through (since we take for granted most things we have). I am so thankful for the child I do have, and am trying to focus on soaking up every minute with him. When I do that, it's hard to think of myself as less blessed than anyone else. Most of all, I would say to not beat yourself up about how you feel, it all sounds perfectly normal to me. I have never seen someone come through a trying time like you are. You're doing great! And Ramona looks amazing! I think you hit it on the head when you say that you are both feeling like others have it better and that children are a blessing. After my miscarriage I kept looking at anyone with 2 or more kids as so lucky compared to me…why couldn’t I have it easy like them? But now that I’m farther removed from it, that seems so ridiculous. There are so many people that don’t have what each of us defines as the “perfect” life. For that matter, our definition seems to change depending on what we’re going through (since we take for granted most things we have). I am so thankful for the child I do have, and am trying to focus on soaking up every minute with him. When I do that, it’s hard to think of myself as less blessed than anyone else. Most of all, I would say to not beat yourself up about how you feel, it all sounds perfectly normal to me. I have never seen someone come through a trying time like you are. You’re doing great! And Ramona looks amazing!

]]> By: jackie lipuma http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2335 jackie lipuma Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:55:01 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2335 Jane, I read this blog every morning, sometimes I can respond immediately for many reasons, and at times when you invite our thoughts, I need and want to digest your thoughts, questions, read some scripture, pray, mull my stuff over with God and see what develops in my heart and spirit. For me, I started thinking about a person's story - God given beginning to end, whether in Christ or not. Then I thought about Joni Erickseon Tada, whom I was able to see speak during Founder's week at Moody years ago. She had a profound impact on my faith. And I thought, what if God healed her today? Would that change who she is? Or, what if that diving accident she had at the age of 17 hadn't left her a quadraplegic - would she be the same person today? Then our individual stories came to mind again. What was in my heart and mind was that Joni Tada would still be Joni Tada no matter what - her story would be different. If Ramona had not had this heart defect (by this world's standards and language), she would still be Ramona Mae, her story would be different. For me, I understand that our brokenness, spiritual, emotional and physical has a part in shaping us, but it does not define us. God creates us all, and for me, His providence and sovereignty has determined my story long before the choices I do or do not make. Of course, for me, how I live my life has eternal consequences - but that's a whole other discussion. But, for now, I see dimly, but will one day see fully and clearly. We are all born with an inherited sin nature-part of our brokenness. Again, my understanding, God determines for His own purposes, whether we remain in that state or are redeemed. For me, sorry long way around, Ramona Mae is God's creation and gift. Whether she is physically healed or not, God has a story for her, specific and unique to her alone - ultimately for His glory. And that story will change and detour and evolve as she does, under the sovereignty of God. Whatever her story looks like, she will always be Ramona Mae to Him. What I pray most for her, is that she would know, even now, the loving presence of her heavenly Father, and in the midst of it all, He would spare her pain, and just keep drawing her closer and closer to the knowledge of Himself with every day. And I ask for a supernatural awareness of His presence for her. Keeping you all in prayer. With love, Jackie Jane,
I read this blog every morning, sometimes I can respond immediately for many reasons, and at times when you invite our thoughts, I need and want to digest your thoughts, questions, read some scripture, pray, mull my stuff over with God and see what develops in my heart and spirit. For me, I started thinking about a person’s story – God given beginning to end, whether in Christ or not. Then I thought about Joni Erickseon Tada, whom I was able to see speak during Founder’s week at Moody years ago. She had a profound impact on my faith. And I thought, what if God healed her today? Would that change who she is? Or, what if that diving accident she had at the age of 17 hadn’t left her a quadraplegic – would she be the same person today? Then our individual stories came to mind again. What was in my heart and mind was that Joni Tada would still be Joni Tada no matter what – her story would be different. If Ramona had not had this heart defect (by this world’s standards and language), she would still be Ramona Mae, her story would be different. For me, I understand that our brokenness, spiritual, emotional and physical has a part in shaping us, but it does not define us. God creates us all, and for me, His providence and sovereignty has determined my story long before the choices I do or do not make. Of course, for me, how I live my life has eternal consequences – but that’s a whole other discussion. But, for now, I see dimly, but will one day see fully and clearly. We are all born with an inherited sin nature-part of our brokenness. Again, my understanding, God determines for His own purposes, whether we remain in that state or are redeemed. For me, sorry long way around, Ramona Mae is God’s creation and gift. Whether she is physically healed or not, God has a story for her, specific and unique to her alone – ultimately for His glory. And that story will change and detour and evolve as she does, under the sovereignty of God. Whatever her story looks like, she will always be Ramona Mae to Him. What I pray most for her, is that she would know, even now, the loving presence of her heavenly Father, and in the midst of it all, He would spare her pain, and just keep drawing her closer and closer to the knowledge of Himself with every day. And I ask for a supernatural awareness of His presence for her.
Keeping you all in prayer.
With love,
Jackie

]]> By: wayne http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2334 wayne Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:26:59 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2334 Hey, Sweet Pea...look at you. You are really something sitting in that chair, smiling and politely sticking out your tongue at the world. I want to see your sass and sa-sha when you are older...I am betting that will really be SOMETHING to behold!! Hey, Sweet Pea…look at you. You are really something sitting in that chair, smiling and politely sticking out your tongue at the world. I want to see your sass and sa-sha when you are older…I am betting that will really be SOMETHING to behold!!

]]> By: dori http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2333 dori Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:47:19 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2333 Well said Jane;) Well said Jane;)

]]> By: Judy Hoenig http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/comment-page-1/#comment-2332 Judy Hoenig Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:17:12 +0000 http://ramonamae.com/2007/on-brokenness/#comment-2332 First, about Ramona's picture...she absolutely looks better now. Her coloring and her affect are much better in the second picture. I think as people we sometimes find ourselves thinking that the grass is greener on the other side.the irony in that is that the person on the other side is thinking the same thing. Things are as they are because that's how God intended them to be. In that same respect I think that with all her chromosones she just wouldn't be the same Ramona. Just like if God had made my Alex a patient and quiet child, then he wouldn't be him. He wouldn't be that extremely inquisitive,stubborn and demanding little boy I love so much. Not to take away from anything that you're experiencing but, I just have to say that even without the metadone withdrawal, she might still be a crier. Ever since Alex was a baby,when he cries it makes your ears bleed. Now he's 2 and learning to talk so he screams if he can't verbalize what he wants until you figure it out. And he STILL wakes up at night. Keep on doing what you're doing. I see 2 gorgeous and happy children. I thought Simon's smile brightened up a room but I don't know there is something about Ramona's eyes that just calls out to me. Judy First, about Ramona’s picture…she absolutely looks better now. Her coloring and her affect are much better in the second picture. I think as people we sometimes find ourselves thinking that the grass is greener on the other side.the irony in that is that the person on the other side is thinking the same thing.

Things are as they are because that’s how God intended them to be. In that same respect I think that with all her chromosones she just wouldn’t be the same Ramona. Just like if God had made my Alex a patient and quiet child, then he wouldn’t be him. He wouldn’t be that extremely inquisitive,stubborn and demanding little boy I love so much.

Not to take away from anything that you’re experiencing but, I just have to say that even without the metadone withdrawal, she might still be a crier. Ever since Alex was a baby,when he cries it makes your ears bleed. Now he’s 2 and learning to talk so he screams if he can’t verbalize what he wants until you figure it out. And he STILL wakes up at night.

Keep on doing what you’re doing. I see 2 gorgeous and happy children. I thought Simon’s smile brightened up a room but I don’t know there is something about Ramona’s eyes that just calls out to me.

Judy

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