One of our little lambs is really, really sick. As in, the farm vet said she might not make it. Oh, my heart. Not sure I can handle another loss right now. I never in a million years thought I’d be praying for sheep – or asking YOU to pray for sheep – but farm life has me doing all kinds of things I never thought I’d do. So…can you say a little prayer for Lavender? {She’s the one on the left.} And a little prayer for me as I care for her?
I’m really tender hearted these days, so it doesn’t take much to move me to tears, but losing a little lamb just might put me over the edge. And yet, this tender-heartedness is a gift. Over the last few years, my heart has been cracked, stretched, scooped out and stripped, but in the process, my heart’s capacity has increased a hundred fold. I feel like I literally have a larger heart today than I did two years ago…more compassionate, tender, loving and beauty-filled. Thank you, Lord.
Beauty and brokenness has become the unexpected theme of our move {more on that here and here}…and I’m beginning to think it’s the theme of farm life, especially when you have animals. One thing I know for sure: all of this beauty and brokenness has changed me. While covered in barn stink and sheep sickness today, I had a quick flash of my life in a pristine, upscale neighborhood. {I loved it! West University Place in Houston was home for 37 years.} As the images of a clean, safe, predictable, animal free life filled my mind, I could hardly hold back the emotion I felt over where I am now. All this change inside and out. And then I wondered, “Can I really live like this the rest of my life? Can I really be this messy, vulnerable and tender-hearted?”
Yes. I want to be like this, even if it hurts sometimes. Because this is where abundant life really begins to flow. This is where your heart grows. This is where you find out you’re capable of giving and receiving more life than you ever imagined. And that is the life I want to live.
Thanks for praying for my little lamb today. It means a whole lot to this farmgirl!
Beemie - Little lamb and your family are in prayers and thoughts.
Jennifer - Linsey – I just said a big ole prayer for Lavender’s recovery and for the vet to guide her through her recent troubles. I’ll be thinking about her and you as you get through this. I’m sure you and your vet are taking the very best care of her!
Jennifer
Dianne - Linsey I am praying. It seems unfair that these sweet innocent creatures have to suffer. I know your girls are as worried as you are. May you all be blessed with peace over the next several days especially.
Adrienne - Prayers for you both <3 a God is using you to care for his sheep 🙂
emi - Praying also.
Beth - Praying for little Lavender…
erin - Praying for sweet Lavender…
justine lemmon - Praying prayers of peace, health and comfort for Lavender,you and your family. I will
hold her in my heart today.
Dianne - Please give us a little lamb update throughout this illness. Still praying for you and yours. xo
Angela - Prayers for your sweet lamb and for you too, Linsey!
Suzanne - Linsey- I will be praying for Lavender and for strength and comfort for you and your family. I have truly enjoyed your blog over the years and admire your willingness to share! You are such an inspiration! I have been drawn to your blog not only for the beauty but for your vulnerability in sharing what God is doing in your life! Bless you!
RoseAnne - Linsey, I prayed for your sweet little lamb last night. I know it must be an emotional roller coaster for you & your daughters too right now…not knowing how she’s going to be from one minute to the next. You can know that Lavender is being covered in prayer by all who read your post!
Also, wanted to let you know that I emailed you a couple of days ago & want to make sure you received it?…as a teacher at my kids school never received one I sent to her on Monday…so I thought I’d check, just in case that happened with yours as well.
Please keep us posted on Lavender as time allows.
Amanda Burkett - Praying over your darling Lavender today. Asking His most tender mercies over you both, and for his healing hand to cover you. Much love–and many prayers.
chrissi - i would imagine farm animals become part of your “family”, just as house pets do. they are all so vulnerable. loving. when reading your blog, i have often wondered just how you can do all of the this….so much to learn. so much to do. your family inspires. we are sending prayers as you meet this new challenge in your brave new life♥
Gigi - Praying for sweet Lavender and you,too!
Katie Clooney - Aw Linsey… what a sweet little lamb. I will say a prayer to St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. God Bless. A
Sherry - Just said prayers for your lil lamb.
Amy - Oh sweet friend, I am sorry. I pray for you both. Love to you.
To Love Is To Be Vulnerable » Bravehearted Beauty - […] needed. He’s brilliant. But I do have a few more words, simply because you cared enough to pray for our little lamb. We lost our sweet Lavender on Wednesday afternoon. I wept that day, and have cried several times […]