Insights By Iris

     I am awaiting the birth of my first grandchild, Jordan Olivia Young, due in December. Watching her mom, Asia Ranelle, expectant with life, brings back memories of when I carried her 20 years ago. It reminds me of God’s endless and indescribable love for mankind.

     In a miserable marriage I desperately wanted out of, being pregnant brought me joy. She was almost born at The Troubadour, in Laurel, where I danced the night away. Checking in Forrest General at 6:30 a.m., Dr. Kelly R. O’Neal told me to gear up for a day of labor, that I wouldn’t deliver until late evening. During the labor, my family chatted in anticipation. I was pleasantly surprised that my fourth grade math teacher came, Cora Ella Magee, on hand ready to help me breathe and count. For a short minute, however, I felt impolite for not conversing much. I was wondering how I was supposed to be dignified delivering a baby with them standing around gapping. It’s hard enough having a gynecologist exam. This seemed just as bad, or worse. But after a few intense contractions, I could have been back on The Troubadour dance floor with hundreds of people standing around and it wouldn’t have mattered one bit.

      I didn’t know how my life was about to change. Six hours later Dr. O’Neal and his nurses ushered me into a delivery room, where he told me to push hard at the count of three. He was is a great doctor but slow counter. This is where my math teacher could have came in.

     After an eternity, I gazed into a set of consuming irises glaring back at me. Suddenly, like the wind, there entered into the room an overwhelming, swelling presence of love. I feared the walls would burst. Deafening quietness silenced everything around me. Then, I held the image of Deity in my arms. Drew it close to my breast. Unfamiliar tears ran from my eyes as if they were Jackie Joyner-Kersee running a marathon. For the first time in my life, I felt and understood God’s love. I knew I’d give my very life for her and to protect her and that no matter how many more were to come I couldn’t give one of them up for any reason less than love.

     I’d heard and read John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life) before but it was meaningless memorized poetry until now, as it audibly resounded within the room.

     This is what I want to always remember, will always know, and desire for all to know, that only God is love. Calvary is no fairytale. There is no greater love than this, for a man to lie down his life for another. Oh what manner of love He has given to us!