Birthing
My Mother, My Hero! Yes! That is correct. You see, anytime I think of birthing, my Mother comes to mind because she remains, my Hero. Mum was blessed to deliver 11 children through natural means. Though two children went to be with the Lord in their infancy, nine of her beloved daughters remain.
I am the 5th born of the family. To date, I am yet to bring forth a grandchild for her. You can imagine how this situation brings on the pressure riding on continuous reminders that have now ensconced themselves into my Mother’s greetings. Nonetheless, I still answer all her calls. I love her dearly.
In my large family I have 13 nephews and nieces and counting, and among them, I am a much celebrated Auntie. Often, I find myself inside the maternity ward or the corridors watching and upholding my siblings as they go through the process of birthing.
As I Remember my time in the maternity ward, I find myself thinking about birthing in relation to God’s Word. The Lord is always in the business of taking us to new areas and experiences in Him. Whether it is birthing a ministry, a book, a movie, a song, or an organization, God is birthing through us, something new and explicitly designed to transform lives, cities, countries, and Eco-systems, among others. But before birth, there is labor that comes through stages of suffering, challenges, and pain. These stages form what we call the ‘Birthing Process.’
Allow me to use the physical birthing process as a metaphor for spiritual birth experienced by all through the journey of faith.
Key Contacts
Expectant parents tend to have the contacts of the hospital and doctor close at hand. This Symbolizes the need to always have the word of God hidden in our hearts. (Psalms 119:11)
Doctors
Expectant parents are keen to choose the right Doctor to oversee the birthing process.
We, therefore, need to be keen on who is mentoring, coaching and guiding us. Above all, we must allow the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate guide in our process. (John 16:13)
Labor ward
Very few people are usually allowed in the labor ward or the birthing room. Therefore, ensure the right people surround you. The labor ward is not the place to invite everyone. Seek wisdom from the Holy spirit on who needs to come in with you. (Proverbs 18:24)
The Labor Bed and Surgical Equipment
Sometimes, the very sight of the medical bed, surgical equipment, or the lack thereof can increase anxiety and worry. (Philippians 4:6-7)
However, God encourages us to choose to rest in HIS shadow and dwell in HIS shelter. The Lord is our strong tower. HE provides the right resources to equip us to do His will and further His kingdom (Philippians 4:19)
Dress-code
Doctors, midwives, nurses, and patients are always clothed in the required and appropriate uniform to identify their roles and expertise.
Do not forget to put on the ‘Full Armor of God.’ (Ephesians 6: 12).
Patient monitoring
In the delivery room, the role of the nurses and the midwife is to update the Doctor on the condition of the patient.
The Lord dispatches angels to minister to us. They are standing by, ascending, descending, delivering our requests, and bringing answers from God. (Genesis 28:12)
Voices
In the delivery room, midwife/nurse takes time to talk with the Doctor, but to maintain a peaceful and surreal atmosphere, they must keep their volume to a minimum, while communicating accurately.
“The voice” of the Lord is the last command. Incline your ears to hear from the Lord alone, and no other. (Proverbs 2:1-5)
The ultimate flow
When the waters burst, it signals that the child is ready to be delivered. Upon exiting the womb, the newborn baby is presented, covered in blood. Jesus once pierced on his side, became the flow of water and blood, symbolizing birth. The blood of Jesus makes all delivery possible. His death on the cross justified our redemption, thereby resulting in abundant living. (John 19:34; John 7:38)
Push – Pray until something happens. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Cry of the Newborn
Birth will announce itself. The sound of the baby crying says, ‘I have arrived and am in good health. Praise the Lord, the giver of Life.’ It immediately moves us into an unfamiliar place. It will be uncomfortable at first for the child and the parents, but soon, structure, processes, sound instruction will prove beneficial.
We must believe and trust in the process and instruction of the Lord as HE leads and guides us to the New Normal. As you progress and grow into maturity in this new normal, HE, the Lord, prepares you for your next birth as HE grows you from glory to glory! (2 Corinthians 3:18)
The most significant birth experienced in Humanity was birth into Salvation. (John 3:5 )
How has your birthing experience been?
Shalom www.imaniworks.com