“They are transferring him to Norton’s NICU, and I can’t get a hold of Mom.” Read Exodus 1:11-16. I was standing behind the stage of Wesley Chapel during the second song of the modern service when Rachel called me. Gummy Bear was struggling to breathe, and the local hospital decided to transfer him to Louisville, where the support would be better. I walked into the classroom where Rhonda was teaching and told her Rachel wanted her to come. Jodi Pace took Rhonda’s teacher’s book and said, “We’ve got this,” knowing that Rhonda was instantly pulled between her responsibility as a teacher and a mother. There are two heroes in the book of Egypt who are often overlooked. They weren’t mothers. They were midwives. Shiphrah and Puah came to expectant mothers and delivered their children. The Pharaoh of Egypt made a law that male babies born to Hebrew women were to be killed. Shiphrah and Puah were put in a difficult situation. They were committed to bringing life into the world, yet they were ordered to bring death. They chose to break Pharaoh’s law by refusing to kill the baby boys. Because of their decision, lives were saved. Today, there are nurses, doctors, and midwives who are dedicated to bringing forth life into the world and saving the lives of babies who are in danger. I am grateful for the people who are trained to save their lives. Gummy Bear was released from NICU after four days and is now a very healthy and active two-year-old. Today, there are babies in the NICU. There are mothers and fathers who are worried. There are people working to save lives.

Prayer: God of Creation, you have created each of us in your image. We seek your mercy for the children who are battling for their lives. We ask that you give wisdom to those who care for the children. Give peace to the parents and the grandparents that each child is in your loving embrace. Amen.