My Friends Honoray and Anita

Honoray and Anita Joseph are some of the most wonderful people I know.  They came to Harvest after being forced to evacuate New Orleans (Katrina) and never left.  In no time they were at the heart and center of this church.

As most of you now know, Honoray and Anita went in Monday to have their new baby, Nasya.  Back in the beginning of Anita's pregnancy, they were told that the baby had a serious abnormality.  It was a blow to them, but they decided to not terminate the pregnancy and instead, hope for a miracle.  We all stood with them.

Many of us were up there Monday afternoon when the news came out.  It wasn't the miracle hoped for.  14 hours later, after being able to love on, feed, nurture their little one, I received this text:

@ 3:15 Nasya peacefully went home. She kicked, cried, ate, pooped, smiled, and was held, kissed and loved. As her name states, she was a 'miracle of God' We are thankful for every prayer.

Here is what the Lord immediately impressed on my heart, very, very strongly for them: 

"In as much as you have done for the 'least' of these, you have done it unto Me." 

Honoray and Anita gave dignity and value....during the pregancy and for the 14 hours while in this world....to a little human life.  They did what any of us would want done for US if we had been given little or no chance:  They prayed, they believed, they did all they could and gave their baby that chance by not terminating. 

I know this is a tough decision for many, especially in the face of major birth defects.  I would not ever lay the burden of judgement on those who struggled, wept, prayed over a decision like this and went the other way, as that is not my place.  

But all I can say is, I sense the Lord's pleasure over Honoray and Anita in how they walked this out. 

Love you guys and we are all praying for you,

PB

 

Comments

[LOTT FAMILY]

THE LIGHT OF WHO WE ARE IN HIM ALWAYS OUTSHINE THE DARKEST MOMENTS OF OUR LIVES. MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT BRING COMFORT AND PEACE DURING THIS SEASON, HONARY AND ANITA YOU HAVE OUR PRAYERS IN MISSISSIPPI

[Gail]

sorry, should be selfless love ... but you probably figured that :-) I hope. ;-)

[Gail]

Thank you PB for sharing with us. My heart too is touched with the life actions of Honoray & Anita. It's very encouraging to see true love in full action. As we all know, to carry a child within the womb, for Honoray and Anita to walk together with the love of Jesus ....... through it all, truly is giving your all to Him daily. May He richly bless Honoray and Anita and their hearts desires be fulfilled. Thank you Honoray and Anita for selfish love. What you have done is amazing.

[Helena]

I was praying for that miracle for them every step of the way, and as I prayed, I received a miracle of the peace of Jesus every time I spoke to Anita. My heart goes out to them as they grieve this loss.

[Freddie]

Well said PB, Many talk the faith, but Honoray and Anita showed their faith. There is a reward waiting. Much love to you Honoray and Anita.

[Carolyn]

Well put Pastor Bobby. Honoray and Anita are amazing people, May Gods incredible love and grace bring soothing and calm to their hearts during this difficult time. Scott

[Missy West]

As the older sister of a special needs child who was given no hope to live... this post touched my heart in a way that I can't even explain. Grace and peace to Honoray and Anita; HIS mercies are new every morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Jim Mather]

A wonderful illustration of grace