May 6

Beloved families of Good Shepherd,

Peace be with you! This Sunday we are delighted to celebrate one of our expectant families, Spencer and Clay Snowden. Fr. Hendree and our community will ask God’s blessing upon them as they prepare to welcome their daughter next month.

The birth of a child is simply miraculous. Years ago my friend Elizabeth invited me to be present during the birth of her third child. Elizabeth chose to have her third baby at home since her first two children were born without complications. I had never witnessed a home birth before, so I honestly did not know what to expect. Elizabeth’s midwife, husband, her two daughters, and I were there when her third daughter was born inside an inflatable pool filled with warm water. When I saw their baby girl come out of the water and take her first breath, I remember feeling like time had stopped. It seemed as though all of us had entered a thin space, sometimes referred to as a liminal space, where the heavenly and earthly realms were almost touching. We were standing on holy ground.

Author Francisco Garcia said that witnessing the birth of his daughter helped him to more fully grasp the Mystery of the Incarnation, God made flesh in the birth of Christ. Garcia writes, “the birth of every child is a life-changing act of Incarnation, an event full of grace and truth.”

We give thanks to God for the Snowden family and for our four additional expectant families at Good Shepherd! Each newborn child born is a wonderful means of grace for our new parents and our faith community. Jesus says when we welcome these little ones we also welcome him and the One who sent him.  Let us welcome these soon-to-be-born Good Shepherd babies with open arms!

We hope to see your family this Sunday, May 10, which is also Mother’s Day!

Many Blessings,

Patty