I had heard of this talented gal – and had watched her perform (with her crazy-amazing voice and gorgeous curls) – long before I’d had the pleasure of meeting her in the flesh.
Leaving her home state of Michigan to grow new roots in Florida, this wife and momma has a story of struggle and resilience that will inspire both hope and greater levels of intentionality in your everyday life.
Meet Amanda…
What’s your story, morning glory?
2015 was a nonstop roller coaster. We began the year sharing with our loved ones that we were moving 1300 miles away to Florida so my husband could take a position in full time ministry. In February I learned I was carrying our second child.
While in Florida over Easter to announce to our new church we’d soon join the staff, I had a miscarriage. The next month, two federal drug officers knocked on our door to tell us our rental property had been turned into an indoor grow house. Mind you, this wasn’t an income generating property. This was a house purchased at the height of the real estate bubble before my husband and I met; it was underwater so we couldn’t sell and the rent we received paid the mortgage and insurance and nothing more. Now it was part of an ongoing federal investigation. It was occupied by drug addicts who were not on the lease but still needed to be legally evicted before we could regain possession. Oh, and of course the condition they left it in was unlivable and the insurance company refused to pay for any repairs.
In June we listed our other piece of real estate – the condo where we lived – in preparation for the move but no one wanted to look at it much less buy it. In the midst of all this, I became pregnant again.
What did you discover about yourself?
As a follower of Christ, I wanted to believe I would trust unwaveringly in God regardless of my circumstance, but 2015 proved otherwise. I felt abandoned by Him; so many things had gone poorly and it seemed as soon as I processed one event another hit came.
Navigating such sweeping change and challenges in addition to recently experiencing pregnancy loss, I was barraged with thoughts that this pregnancy would be the next thing we’d lose. I was quick to be angry with God and ill-equipped to wage war against the darkness that tried to overwhelm me.
What did you discover about God’s character in the process?
It’s more of a re-discovery, but He is completely faithful and loves to show off. You see, we’d chosen the name Solomon for our baby, knowing it was rooted in the Hebrew for “peace” and that King Solomon in the Bible was the wisest of men. A few weeks before my due date I began digging further and learned the Hebrew also means “recompense.” I had to look it up in the dictionary, but recompense means “compensation, as for an injury or a wrong; a repayment; a remuneration or reward.” I was floored. This baby wasn’t something I needed to fear losing; he was the vehicle through which God was restoring what we’d lost – we even unwittingly labeled him accordingly!
Sure enough, before Solomon’s birth we were freed from both houses with minimal damage to our credit. His birth itself was even restorative when compared to our experience birthing his older brother. I believe this is only the beginning and I can’t wait to see how God continues to restore, repay, and reward through Solomon’s life. God was working His plan even as I struggled – He is always working His plan.
What helped you or served you most practically in this season?
We had friends and family come alongside us, connect us with knowledgeable experts, cover lawyer’s fees, and do things for us in Michigan we couldn’t do ourselves once we’d moved to Florida. Those same people regularly checked on us, sending prayers and scriptures to encourage us. We really have a phenomenal community!
Toward the end of the year I began to regain my footing when my husband and I were reminded to set the atmosphere in our home. We began playing worship music a lot, cultivating a place of peace. It’s important to remember if we don’t set the atmosphere, someone or something else will…and it won’t be good for us.
How did this experience shape your passion today?
Until I experienced pregnancy loss I had no idea it was so common. When I started sharing about the baby we have in heaven I learned many women in my circle had also suffered at least one miscarriage. I just hadn’t heard about most of them because it’s not talked about. This needs to change.
This month my husband and I will meet with staff at Pregnancy Solutions here in the Venice/North Port area and offer input as they develop ways to reach and support people grieving pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and abortion. I’m excited to partner with a local organization committed to helping mothers, children, and families. No one should have to walk that sorrowful path feeling alone.
If you could sum up your story in a single sentence, what would it be?
Like my dear Pastor Dave Williams in Lansing, Michigan says, “If the ending’s not good, it’s not the end.”
What would you say to a woman facing the same struggle?
Press in. When you feel like the wheels are coming off and you just can’t hold it together for one more day, embrace that fact. You’re right; you can’t hold it together! But the Father can, and He is, so loosen your grip and lean into Him.
Is there a favorite quote or scripture you have clung to?
“So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than the beginning.” [Job 42:12a]
What are 2 things you’re loving right now?
Norwex cloths. I was such a skeptic until a friend gave me a couple to try. I no longer buy cleaning products, my house isn’t full of chemical smells (since pregnancy I just can’t handle that stuff anymore), and I don’t worry about my kiddos finding and ingesting crazy poisons. It’s awesome!
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. This book gave me a whole new lens through which to view the world! I finally understood why I felt out of place in many situations throughout my life and am now learning to accept and celebrate the way God created me. Now I want to educate everyone else!
Thank you for sharing a chapter of your story with us, Amanda! Where’s the best place for us to find you online?
I tweet regularly @amandadekatch. I blog occasionally at amandajanal.wordpress.com.
I hope to increase the occasional blogging to regular blogging soon! Come on, babies, let mama have a little me-time!
