Where Taking Heart began

My son Simon was born on Tuesday, May 11, 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was kicking into high gear. On Simon’s third day of life, he underwent open heart surgery to repair a chronic heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). During this time, my wife Rachel, and our two daughters Piper and Sloane struggled, as the rest of the world did, with the pandemic. And, we also faced our own challenges dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes from having your newborn child undergo major surgery. Plus, Rachel and I were separated from our daughters, our family, and our friends due to the virus restrictions. For 29 days, it was just the two of us…navigating through Simon's first surgery and recovery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. And, 6 weeks later in July of 2020, we were on our own for 14 more days for Simon's second surgery at UK Children's Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

Before, during, and in between these events, we were loved on by family and friends with gift cards and baskets, toys for our girls, and hot meals delivered to the hospital. But, the gift we received with the most impact was prayer, and the sharing of scripture. I wrote down each of those scriptures in a small notebook that I kept with me from the moment we learned of Simon's heart defect, until this very day. I read over them often and what they have helped me to do is to take heart. No matter what the day may bring, take heart. For me, these gifts of treasured scripture are summarized in the words John wrote in his gospel. Jesus looks at his disciples, knowing the heartache and difficulty they would soon face because of their faith in Him, and He says to them "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

The posts in this blog come from the scripture verses I received during those scary, anxious days along with a devotion from my reflection on that time. My hope is that they help guide you to the peace that Jesus brings, because in Him we can Take Heart.