Earlier this month, Joy-Anna Duggar and her husband Austin Forsyth announced the tragic news that they had lost their second child, a daughter, just 20 weeks into the pregnancy. It was shocking news, as there were no hints of anything wrong in Joy-Anna's pregnancy up until that point. The couple made the announcement on Instagram, and accompanied it with beautiful pictures of them and their daughter.
Today marks one week since we heard these words….“So this is your baby’s heart (pointing to the ultrasound screen). I don’t hear a heartbeat or see any movement.”.We had gone in for our 20-week ultrasound and gender reveal. It was a baby girl.Although we don’t understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord. In the words of King David after the loss of his baby, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam 12:23). We don’t grieve as those who have no hope because we trust that we will see this little one again.
We named her Annabell Elise. Annabell means “God has favored me”, and Elise means “God satisfies”. What a precious thing to know that when our daughter opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the face of Jesus.
Please pray for continued healing, not only physically but for our hearts as well..
“All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well, For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”
-Fanny Crosby
Since the announcement, Joy-Anna and Austin have been posting pictures of their son Gideon as well as of the two of them. People have been praising Joy-Anna for her strength in such a difficult time, and the young mom finally opened up about how she is managing to cope with such an incredible loss.
Our hearts are healing.Yes, those days come that I miss my little girl so much. Wishing I could have met her, seen Austin love on her and Gideon play with her. 💝Yet, God has given us so much comfort.People say that I am strong, but I am not. It is Jesus’ strength that has carried me through. He’s given me a peace that passes all understanding and he has given me His JOY.🙏🏼💕.“No one ever cared for me like Jesus”..
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.(Psalms 147:3).The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:18-19)
Despite Joy-Anna saying she is not strong, I beg to differ. To be able to move on from such tragedy is strength that many people don't possess.
