jody r landers

(written several years ago, revised a bit for his 7th birthday today)

We prayed like so many others, “God, we don’t care about anything else, we just want a healthy baby.” We anticipated with joy the arrival of our 4th child, assuming it would be much like the others. We had no idea how different it would be. Seven years ago today, we welcomed Quincy Jay into our family. And we got a taste of what it is it like when God seems to answer the “healthy baby” prayer with a resounding “NO.”

…. From the moment Quincy was born, depravity knocked him down. We like to protect our babies from that for a time. But with Quincy, we simply could not.

I only got a glimpse of this in comparison to so many others, but I believe it is among the most intense heartache one can experience in this life–to sit helplessly while your child suffers. I remember sitting next to Quincy’s bed having to deny all of me–everything that is natural to a mother. I could not hold him. I could not comfort him. I could not protect him. Torture.

(Note: Eventually we brought him home from the hospital. Is he not the cutest baby in a body cast ever??!)

…. Quincy is a daily reminder of the goodness of God in “unanswered” prayers.

Perhaps God’s “No” is actually a “Yes.” Yes to a love so intense and simply unexplainable. Yes to the experience of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of deep pain. Yes to unimaginable joy. Yes to fertile soil for developing Christlikeness in Mom, Dad, brothers, and child. Yes to a journey that although we didn’t ask for we would gladly travel again. Yes to blessings– not a “healthy” baby blessing, but blessings of another kind. One I did not know to pray for. But how grateful I am to receive. And Yes to heartache. Yes to tears. Yes to glimpses of the redemption of depravity. Yes to a new perspective and a new longing for our eternal home.

….

Our verse for Quincy (chosen before he was born)–

Isaiah 43:1-5
“This is what the Lord says, he who created you…”Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you….Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

It seems fitting.

He is claimed by the Father. We proudly claim him as ours as well. He is precious and honored. He is loved. And we all need not fear.

Lest you think Quincy is defined by his birth story and medical challenges.

You should know:

The boy is mean basketball player. Super good.

He’s very talkative only when he’s super tired.

He’s shy. And serious. And intense.

He got a bass guitar for his birthday today.

No doubt he’ll be joining the band very soon.

He’s determined. A bit of a perfectionist.

And an extremely picky eater.

He’s likes routine. And predictability.

He won’t admit it, but he loves hugs.

He’s perceptive and sometimes insecure.

He’s a complicated character.

And one awesome kid.

Quincy boy,

We love you. We are proud of you. We cannot wait to see God’s story played out in your life.

Happy Birthday, precious boy. Thank you in so many, many ways.

13 Responses to seven.

Holly says:

09/30/2011 at 8:25 am

and handsome!
what a great kid!
Cousin Sara says:

09/30/2011 at 10:20 am

Happy Birthday Quincy!
Teri Haglund says:

09/30/2011 at 12:30 pm

What a story!brought tears this morning!thanks for sharing.
Pleasure to get to know you and your family!Enjoy the day
As I know you will. God is good all the time.
Kim Wiseman says:

09/30/2011 at 12:50 pm

Happy Birthday Quincy. I love your mom’s description of you. Jody I love your comment “Perhaps Gods No is actually a Yes” …We have an amazing Father who has redeemed us. Thanks for inspiring us to fear nothing in this life but to embrace everything knowing God is in control.
Randie says:

09/30/2011 at 1:36 pm

Love him.
Leighann says:

09/30/2011 at 2:43 pm

Oh how I can relate. Happy birthday to Quincy.
Nan in MO says:

09/30/2011 at 7:43 pm

Happy Birthday, sweet Quincy. You are quite the little man and I know God has great plans for you. Blessings on birthday and always.
Bria says:

09/30/2011 at 8:14 pm

Jody,
I so enjoy reading your posts. This was an especially heart-touching one. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Amy Mineart says:

09/30/2011 at 10:52 pm

Babies are true miracles from God. In our humanness we expect our babies to be born perfect, when there could be hundreds of things that could go wrong. But not to us right? God writes each one of our stories and we learn to trust him and learn and grow and hopefully become more like Him. We learn to say yes Lord, lean on Him, hide in Him, let Him carry us, cry out to Him, Trusting……..You guys are doing a great job!!!!! Happy B’day Quince, I want to hear that bass guitar clear to Muscatine!
kevin allen says:

10/01/2011 at 1:58 pm

A great story of how God is glorified through a beautiful child. Happy Birthday Quincy.
cassie says:

10/03/2011 at 9:30 pm

happy birthday quincy boy.
we miss you.
Ann Emerick says:

10/05/2011 at 1:15 pm

Happy Birthday Quincy!
I will never forget the day you were born. You were amazing even then, not a lot of fussing, quietly observing all that was going on around you. And there was a lot of activity.
I have watched you grow through your moms wonderful blog, there was no doubt when you were born you were going to be very special. You have a permanent place in my heart (as do both of your parents). Hard to believe you are 7!
rr says:

10/05/2011 at 1:35 pm

cried as i read. so beautiful jo.