I’ve never seen it before, and it is impossible for me to ever see it again. It is a once in a lifetime experience. I saw my wife hold our first child for the first time. During this momentous occasion, I decided to read Jesher the award winning children’s book Last Stop on Market Street. I happened to look up and catch the above-pictured moment of absolute bliss and couldn’t help myself. I had to pause the story and capture the peace flowing from mom and bathing son. It’s called Kangaroo Care. It is a well-researched practice that champions the benefit of skin-to-skin contact for newborns. I never knew how much moms (and dads) benefit their babies by providing meaningful skin-to-skin cuddling. And as I watched Jesher Gabriel lay on his mother’s bare skin, it instantly became apparent to me why Kangaroo Care is so pivotal–it was allowing Jesher to hear Lhorraine’s heart.
My wife Lhorraine was allowing her firstborn son to get as close as possible to her beating love for him. Before now, Jesher always heard her heart from the inside, but this was his first opportunity to hear her heart from the outside. So when I watched the nurses rest Jesher’s tethered body in his mother’s arms, I introspectively made a wish upon a distant star: I hope Jesher gets the heart of his mom.
With every pump of her chest, I new Jesher Gabriel was listening to a heart-beat that understood his challenging first week outside of the womb. Like Jesher, my wife has undergone extended hospital stays, tolerated tubes and wires confining her to a bed, and overheard doctors debate whether or not she would live to see adulthood. Like Jesher, she has survived the pokes, prods, and pricks of medical professionals who could not figure out what was wrong. Like Jesher, Lhorraine is proof that divine providence exists. And all of that experience was now beating a rhythmic tune into Jesher’s cheek, cheering him on while synchronizing his heart to hers.
As Jesher rested on his mother, I smiled as I thought how blessed he is to have Lhorraine as his kangaroo. She understands. She empathizes (she doesn’t just sympathize). She knows what he is going through. She knows what it’s like to fight death and come out on top. She is a warrior. She doesn’t stop. She doesn’t quit. She just fights. That’s what Jesher has within him…the blood of a warrior, pumping with each heart beat. And he gets it from his mom.
Here is Jesher’s current medical report:
ECHO SCAN–Jesher underwent a very important procedure called an echocardiogram. This scan will allow doctors to assess Jesher’s heart health. We will receive the results on tonight or on tomorrow afternoon. PLEASE PRAY THAT JESHER’S HEART DEVELOPS WITHOUT ABNORMALITY.
TESTING DAY–Jesher will undergo multiple tests on tomorrow that will serve as his weekly report. These tests will chart his treatment for the next week and allow doctor’s to gauge how his body is naturally addressing his premature birth. Any area that registers low on the progress chart will need to receive external assistance. PLEASE PRAY FOR JESHER’S LIVER, BRAIN, HEART, and LUNGS; IF THESE AREAS ARE STRONG AND HEALTHY, JESHER’S RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT WILL RECEIVE A NEEDED BOOST.
BLOOD–We need Jesher’s blood platelet numbers to normalize. He continues to receive blood transfusions to off-set his low levels, but we are asking God to jump-start his natural blood-making abilities. Jesher needs his platelet levels to increase in order for him to stabilize his immune defenses and lower his bilirubin levels. PLEASE PRAY FOR A SUPERNATURAL ACTIVATION OF JESHER’S PLATELET PROCESSES; PRAY THAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS WOULD HEAL JESHER’S BLOOD.
As I ease-dropped on their kangaroo care, I held a quiet conversation with God: Wow Yahweh, you have allowed me to love two warriors of uncommon strength. Yes, my wife has mourned the abrupt and unfortunate interruption of her pregnancy. I have heard her cry out to her Creator, warring in the Spirit on behalf of our son, and I have seen her wrestle with the uncomfortable recovery process that follows an emergency C-section. But with all this being acknowledged, the doctors and nurses continue to marvel at the strength of our family. However, when they attempt to attribute Jesher’s feisty resilience to his dad’s personality, I quickly interject: No, no, no! He gets that strength from his mother.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:28-29
Prayers for Jesher 
The Lord is your strength…Praise His Holy Name!
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To the three warriors: Lhorraine, Jesher and Michael. Pump on, fight on. You got this! Reminds me of the rider of the White Horse in the book of Revelation…. going forth to conquer. Jesher’s heart is pumping forth to conquer. Praise the Lord!
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You’re seeing deep things of great love. Praying that the Father’s love hold you three and especially Jesher-
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As friends/family of Lewis and Betty they have shared your beautiful new journey of which we understand very well because of our 26 wk preemie grandson Desmond who is now 21 mths old. Hopes, dreams, miracles & destiny’s are just a few foundational props of “a warrior” but they will only materialize in faith so we grow our seeds of faith for Jesher by praying and petitioning his wellness.
Michael & Lhorraine you have been graced with a gift that will teach you the real meaning of Love. You guys will look at each other and see the power of strength and fight that has been sown into your baby boy…TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
There’s a special place in our hearts for NICU’s so pray with your nurses and Drs……these are like 2nd heavens with Angels in charge.
Worship in song and praise with Jesher; he will hear and know of God’s goodness! AMEN!!!
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Amen! Praying with you and waiting for the next installment of…”The Adventures of J.G. Spacewalker!…A Little Warrior ‘Whose Strength Is God’, His ‘Warrior’ Mom & ‘Sentinel’ Dad (Anointed and Covered)!”
We love you and will hold you up.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NASB
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I’m standing with you in prayer, by faith, asking God to perform a miracle, to heal Jesher, His mighty warrior! God is able!
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Praying with you, my brother, Sister and nephew!
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Praying for continued strength and keep up the awesome breastfeeding and kangaroo care, that’s nature’s medicine! We love you all and praying for little Jesher with every step!!!
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Michael, thank you for your strength and for acknowledging not only your strength but your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Nelva
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Happy Sabbath Jesher,
There are only two “greatest gifts “ in existence the gift of life that your awesome parents have given to you Jesher, and the gift of eternal life from JESUS . Jesher, you are a strong worrier and I look forward to meeting you soon.🍼🛴🚲🚗🏀🏸🎾🏒
Lhorraine and Mike, your faith and strength in God and each other is bringing Jesher through. I continue in prayer for your Lil Warrior.
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Michael and Lhorraine, thank you for this beautiful picture.
Michael, this is the post my spirit has longed to read.
Yes, more kangaroo care! And do not be afraid! I have read every post and every comment. For every one commenter, I dare say there are at least ten others who do not comment but are in agreement and praying for Jesher and his mom and dad. We love you. And Yahweh loves you that much more.
Do you recall a sermon about “Ischyo”? I think you both are wonderful examples of that.
There was another sermon, Michael, that you preached: Matthew 14:21-33.
Just as you felt his presence at that intersection, I pray you hear him say, “Come.”
Praying that all testing today sets Jesher on a course of growth and development and maturity into the mighty warrior he is.
It’s a glorious day for yet another miracle.
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Praying for Jesher, Lhorraine, and you!
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Praying for you and your beautiful family.
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Praying, ever so fervently for you and your warriors. May God allow them both to rally valiantly in healing and strength through the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit and keep you all in perfect peace as you continually surrender this entire experience to Him. Love you guys!
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Praying for you & your family. I have no doubt my God can do the impossible! He can turn the situation into an awesome miracle… I’ve seen Him do it and He’ll do it again !
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Awwwwwwww. Family time. Look at Reinee Poo Mikey Poo and Jesse Poo. Lorraine Mike and Jesher. I’m just balling and smiling at the same time. Thank you Father.
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Such a beautiful post. Praying for continued miracles.
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Praying for you, Lhorraine and Jesher. Keep marveling at the miracle that has already happened and that will happen. We love you all and are here to help hold up your arms. Elynda and Donald
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How many times have you petitioned the Creator on behalf of my son? I now petition Him on behalf of yours.
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My heart goes out to you Mike. I’m praying for your miracle!! God has a plan to be glorified. Much love to you, Lhorraine, and Jesher.
Lyndon
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Michael, you & Lhorraine have been used of God to bless so many! May God in His everlasting mercy and will allow you to see this tiny miracle grow in grace to bless you and countless others who follow this note. He’s able, He’s able, I KNOW He’s able……!
Prayerfully, Claudia Tibbs
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Beautifully expressed!! To God be the glory…for the things He has done, is doing and will do in the lives of those who put their trust in Him!!
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What a beautiful moment I know that it was for you both… when She held him. I put my hand on my heart. WOW! Praise God! Love this picture too. Praying for Baby Jesher! God is so amazing! Praying for a miracle!!!!
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