Brenda Lambert is a graduate of Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. As a therapist for the Liberty Godparent Home and later the Director of Client Services at a Crisis Pregnancy Center in Davie, Florida, Brenda has developed a heart for discipling young ladies and ministering to them both one on one and in group settings. She continued to fulfill her passion for discipleship by homeschooling her three children. Because Brenda has a heart for worship, she has led worship for women’s groups in both small settings and large conferences. Brenda serves alongside her Husband Cliff, who is a Professor of Worship at Liberty University and the Worship Pastor at Liberty Baptist Church. Cliff and Brenda have been married for 35 years and are blessed with 3 children and 3 grandchildren who all love and serve the Lord.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of despair.
Isaiah 61:3
An eerie silence filled the room. No words were spoken. After nine hours of labor, Misty* delivered a healthy 9-pound baby boy. We both sobbed uncontrollably as they carried him out of the room. This would be the last time Misty would see her baby. Against advice, she decided not to hold him for fear she would never let him go. At 18 years old, Misty had no way to care for a new life. She loved him, but she wanted a better life for him than the one she could provide.
Placing a baby for adoption is one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice I have ever witnessed. As one of my first clients at the Liberty Godparent Home, Misty introduced me to a selfless love I had never imagined until that moment. After many months of counseling and prayer, she decided to place her baby into the home of a loving family. We searched profile after profile of potential parents until she found the perfect fit for her son. Finally, the decision was made. A heartfelt letter was penned, and we waited for the baby to arrive. Days after his birth, through a glass window, I observed the adoptive mom and dad snuggling their precious baby. They held him close with tears streaming down their faces. These tears were quite different from the tears Misty and I experienced only days before. These were tears of pure joy. God had answered their prayers through the sacrifice of a young girl. There was a tranquil comfort as I conveyed to Misty what I had witnessed. She knew that her prayers had been answered as well. God used her difficult situation to bring joy to a couple that desperately wanted a child. That is His way. He takes broken people and difficult situations and brings beauty. Years later, I met Misty in her hometown to learn that she had earned a college degree and was starting a new career. Although she thought of her son often with some sadness, there was mostly joy in her heart that God provided a good plan for each of them.
What about you? Do you feel all hope is burned away and you’re left surrounded by ashes? It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be sad, but amid your pain remember to “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). Trust Him through the tears and trust that He has perfect timing and can bring beauty from ashes and joy from sorrow.
*For privacy, the mother’s name was changed.
