How Great is Our God Tour

God is so great and so mighty! Friday I took Braylon to a new doctor for a check-up. The doctor was taking note of his past medical history and issues with his stroke. The exam continued as normal, then the doctor left to get some referrals for a hearing test and eye exam. While she was gone, the head doctor came in to speak with me about Braylon's stroke. As I was discussing the amount of damage done to his brain, I remembered I had a couple MRI pics on my phone. So I pulled out my phone and showed the doctor (who had another doctor with him). He was speechless. The only words he could say over and over again were, "That's impressive." He couldn't believe that B was able to do as much as he was with an MRI image like that. The head doctor called in Dr. Khan (B's new doc) to see the images along with 2 more nurses. All them kept repeating "that's impressive." The nurses were able to talk a little more and were stunned at what they were seeing. I told them that I was scared to death when I first saw the images as well, but then I looked down at Braylon playing and smiling back at me and I knew God is always good.
When the appointment was over, I gathered my things and headed out the room. As I stepped out the door, I saw the 2 nurses crying over what they just saw in Braylon. Then walking to the checkout, I saw the head doctor in a room full of people talking about what he had just seen also. My thoughts.... sometimes the worst things in life can be the loudest voice to edify the Lord! We all need to humble ourselves and I think that day some doctors realized that although they can do some amazing things, God is so much bigger than them!
Today in church I saw one of the most powerful videos to every come before my eyes. Some of you may have heard of it or seen it as well, but I'm including some links to check it out anyway. The video puts in perspective how BIG God really is. It connects science with christianity. And by the end you will see why the only words the doctors can mumble out about Braylon are "That's impressive." My mighty Lord literally has allowed all of us to connect with him thru the cross. Watch and be amazed.

Deon

The video is about 40 minutes long. Because its on youtube, I guess you have to watch it in 5 parts. It's worth it tho!!!! Pass it on too...

part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGxsI8ksX8Q

part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfNiZrt5FjU&feature=related

part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related

part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AB5IvogHc&feature=related

part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBNKSjg-LQ&feature=related

Images....

"Nothing even looks wrong with him." I hear those words all of the time from people I meet and share Braylon's story with. What they don't understand is, B may have a disability, but in no way something wrong. The Bible says, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." How can anyone have anything "wrong" with them when we are all made perfect in the image of God.

Looking at Braylon, there are some definant issues he is overcoming, but God's light is always shining through him. I see miracles and blessings everyday in my baby. It is truly a blessing to be chosen my God to have a child who had a stroke. When I go to the store, the chiropractor, a football game or anywhere, I find the closest person to me and tell them about Braylon. I tell them he had a stroke, suffered severe brain damage, lost vision and was partially paralyzed. Not because I want pity or attention, but so I can hear those words.... "Oh my God!" Yes, my God is here with us everyday. We get to see him in our lives and have a constant reminder of how good he is. I brag to strangers how good God is and the work he is doing in Braylon (and my whole family). Most people don't have a story to tell that gives praise to God in front of friend and foe alike.

Made in the image of God.... all of us are. Let's take a look in the mirror and see our image. Find God in us; our beauty, courage, triumphs and persistence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with us! God makes no mistakes. Take your disabilities, your failures and use them to sing praises to the LORD GOD our FATHER! I promise you will feel much better about the "cards you were dealt" and the obstacles in your way.

photos above were taken for The Littlest Heroes Project by Alison at Starglo Photography.

www.littlestheroes.org

www.starglophoto.com

hard-headed and frustrated

Everyone knows the so-called terrible twos really start about 18 months... When babies start to realize they can have a little independence, but aren't quite sure how to follow rules yet. I think we've run into this with Braylon. He is definitely a strong-willed baby, determined to have things his way. My husband and I both pray for B's independence, but gosh does it wear us out!!!
Braylon has been getting frustrated lately for a couple of reasons. One, because of his age and two, because of his disability. He wants to get around the house as fast as possible and get into everything within reach, just like other babies his age. But he physically can't do things that other babies can. He wants to walk desperately! So he walks around the couch, tables, book shelves and chairs. He also wants to be fast, so he crawls or hops on his knees to play chase (and believe me, he is fast!). Frustrations comes somewhere in the middle. Does he choose free and fast on knees or walking with help??? Braylon just doesn't know, so most of our day is UP, down, UP, down...
Good news is, he's really progressing. B is standing more and more on his own. He is trying to take a step here and there. And cognitively he is right where he should be... praise God! At the end of this month Braylon will be getting fitted for a AFO brace for his foot and a splint for his hand. Hopefully, both help him be more independent and active. I know he has dreams in his heart to run with his brothers. I can't wait for my blog entry to be about him walking around independently. Maybe it will happen sooner than expected!
Keep praying for Braylon and being encouraged by his spirit!!