We walked “through the valley of the shadow of death,” as Susannah, Nathan and Melanie’s first born, three day old little girl, slipped into the arms of Jesus. As our hearts ached and tears flowed like never before, Dad encouraged us with the words, God is good ALL the time.
“. . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4).
Through that trying time, the Lord gave peace and grace. I saw my brother and sister-in-law resting in their Savior, grieving, yes, but not despairing. A little over a year later, the Lord filled their empty arms with the arrival of Abigail. Now two years later, they are in the midst of a difficult pregnancy. We continue to trust our Savior who knows what is best for our lives.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
If you’d like to view a slideshow surrounding the days that Susannah lived, here’s the link, http://www.titus2.com/Susannah/. But, be forewarned, if you are at all emotional, you’ll need some Kleenex!
The blessed assurance, for those of us who have trusted in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is we’ll be seeing Susannah again. At this very moment, Susannah is delighting in the presence of Jesus, and she is free from all pain and sorrow that this troubled world has. Oh, what glory! Truly.
Sarah for the rest
“… the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Such a beautiful little girl. And such a blessing to hear that through that, Nathan and Melanie were able to stay strong in their faith. Me and my family are now praying for their little one in the womb. And God is good, all the time. :o)
I still remember the song you posted during that time…Trusting Jesus. And that very song encouraged my heart through the trial with Daniel’s sickness and Baby Samuel. Oh, it is so good to know our heavenly Father loves us so and works all things for good. My sister went through a difficult pregnancy last year and delivered twin girls at 30 weeks. She said, “Sometimes God calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm blow and calms His child”.
Praying for God’s peace for you all during these days. Praying for the little baby Melanie is carrying. Remembering sweet Susannah Joy today…we still have her picture and can’t wait to meet her someday.
love and prayers,
Daniel and Jaynee and Family
Such a beautiful baby….now with Jesus and delighting those around her in Heaven, I feel certain. What a testimony that Nathan and Melanie kept a strong faith while going through the saddest of times. And what a praise knowing we’ll see our loved ones again one day in Heaven!!!
Hugs, Patti M.
P.S. Continued prayers for Melanie and the new baby she’s carrying.
Thank you for this precious posting. Continuing to pray for Melanie and the little one she carries (and the whole family also). I pray that Melanie is able to rest physically and in Jesus.
I still remember that time so clearly, it affected me so much. I may watch the slideshow again, but I can remember cry when I saw it for the first time. Remembering baby Susannah Joy today.
Continuing to pray for Melanie and this new baby.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susi
Such a beautiful testimony of faith. Thank you for sharing. Praying for this new baby.
Praying. I too still remember that time like it was yesterday. I remember the day I came on the main page of the website and there it was at the top of the screen. That urgent prayer request for Nathan and Melanie that brought me to tears. They had already been through so much and now this- how could this be? God’s plan is always perfect and that’s the only thing that matters. Their testimony during that time and still today is so encouraging to my family. I sit here with 4 little one’s that we did not in anyway struggle to have and feel completely blessed. We continue to pray for the family daily.
Robyn
This month also marked a year for us as we lost a little one. My only hope and comfort is that they are in the arms of Jesus as is your Susannah. Praying for Melanie as she carries this precious life and that the Lord will be glorified in all that He accomplishes through your family. May He bless you all, Amy
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We can be confident and have peace that we will see the little ones again, if we are saved. David said that he would go to be with the child one day. 2 Samuel 12:23 “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” Be encouraged Amy.
Steve
It doesn’t fail to bring tears!! We are praying for the new little one!
Oh yes, I remember it so well. I remember getting on my knees to pray as soon as I saw the first post about Susannah and the intense sadness that followed. I am praying for the new little babe in Melanie’s womb. Their steadfast faith and trust in God has been so encouraging to those of us whose faith is so very weak and shaken so easily. God bless you all. You are such dear servants of our Lord.
A very sad time that was. We are praying for your family as you wait for this little one.
What a sweet, moving tribute. How beautiful to reflect the grace that the Father has given you. You were blessed to have been entrusted with Susannah.
It’s hard to believe it’s been three years.
God has blessed in so many ways after giving that cup of tears. Great is His faithfulness!
Dear Sarah,
It was very touching. The song was beautiful: all of it put together was so
sweet, so touching, but so sad. Aren’t we thankful that we have a God who cares and ”can pour the balm of heaven where the hurt has been, chase away the shadows, make the songs of joy begin”-”He’s The One”!
Praying for Nathan and Melanie, Abigail, and Baby Maxwell!
Love, Rebecca
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We remember with sadness and joy. We rejoice in looking forward to the day we will meet face-to-face.
Steve
It doesn’t seem as though it has been three years already! Thank you for sharing the photos and the lullaby – tissues were a definite must.
Praying for the new little blessing and for the whole Maxwell Family.
Blessings,
vania
What a precious testimony of trusting the Lord in the midst of deep grief. We lost our longed for baby this month (through miscarriage). In wondering if joy would ever return, I often thought of Melanie and how she was able to continue on with hope and joy. As I was in the hospital a week later due to severe complications, I was thinking of Isaiah 55… His ways are higher than our ways. Today the children and I were studying the life of Fanny Cosby and we learned the hymn, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”…. it made me think of our precious little one. One of us is already there with Jesus!
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Hugs to you. Bless you, dear sister! –Sarah
It is hard to imagine that was 3 years ago. Seems like just yesterday. I think I started following your blog about 6 months prior to Susannah’s birth. I was heartbroken for your family, especially for Melanie and Nathan. So many prayers were said here for your family and plenty of tears were shed. We can comfort ourselves in the word, but like Nathan said at the time, there were challenges he faced that he never wanted to know. Was there ever a conclusive reason Susannah only lived a short time? She was kicking in the womb and then nothing after birth. So mysterious.
We are praying fervently for Baby Maxwell and hope Melanie isn’t too bored on bedrest. Thank you so much for providing updates as you can. Please know we are covering you in prayer.
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There was no reason or indication why.
Steve
I am amazed how our Saviour knits us together as the family of God. As I’ve prayed for your family the past few years, God has made you dear to my heart. I’m thankful you’ll rejoice and remember Susannah Joy’s life with this beautiful slide show. What a testimony unto the Lord for His Work in your lives as you have truly fulfilled James’ charge to “count it all joy…and let patience have its perfect work.” God has grown you tremendously through this trial of raising children for His Glory.
This verse is part of my prayer tonight for specifically Melanie, but also for Nathan as he must play a difficult role of caring for Melanie and being her spiritual leader through another difficult pregnancy. Colossians 1:11, “Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” May each one of you in the Maxwell family be encouraged, because God Almighty is able to strengthen you According to his power, and we know God’s supply is endless!
Praise the Lord! I pray for this tiny life in Melanie’s womb, and if God so chooses, I look forward to rejoicing with you when this pregnancy comes to full term!
In Christ,
Jennifer
Lord be with you in your struggle to understand and make peace with such a tragedy. Having lost my 2nd born and only son to cancer before 2 years of age, I can relate and so appreciate your response through scripture and sharing of Suzanna’s story. Thank you. God bless.
——– Hugs, Mrs. Laura. I’m so very sorry about your lost; may Jesus give you all grace and strength as only He can! ~Sarah ——–
I remember this as if it were yesterday. The faith of Melaine and Nathan is strong and I know they walk with God in all they do. What an inspiration they are to me. I have added Melanie and BabyMax to my prayer book.
blessings, Mrs. Mari
I am so sorry I have issed to many postings and am responding so late. It feels so good to catch up woth you all and to feel I talkign with good friends.