For We Walk by Faith

By Kristen Bourgeois

At 5 days old, my oldest son Nathanael was rushed to the emergency room.  We were then transferred to Ochsner Jefferson campus, where he stayed and we lived for the next month.

As a brand-new parent, I was terrified. I remember the only prayer I could muster during that ambulance ride was “Jesus!”   

It was at the hospital where I began praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Through fear, tears and exhaustion, I repeated, “Jesus, I trust in you!”  And, as I would pray, different people would come to mind, and I would pray for them as well.

This prayer brought me so much peace when things were so chaotic.

It was during this event, that I learned how to trust in God on a whole new level. Trust is easy when things are going well. But, when illness struck and fear had wrenched my heart, I had to decide to trust when the situation appeared hopeless.

After several weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, my son was moved down to the Pediatric Unit. As I laid down on the bed, I looked up at the ceiling. I could see former patients had decorated the ceiling tiles. And, one above my head read, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7.

It was in that moment I knew God was encouraging me.

Nathanael is healthy today, and I can recall that difficult time in our lives with gratitude because it is a reminder that has strengthened my faith.

When my prayers don’t seem answered and suffering returns, I remember, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”