By the Grace of God, He Brought Us Hope!

4.14.14

TESTIMONY!!!! MIRACLE BABY!!!!

This little light of mine is 2 years old today!!!

Through health struggles, docs told me in 2009 that I would never have kids. My world came crumbling down thinking that I would never have the opportunity to experience motherhood. I knew I could adopt or even become a bonus mom, but being a Mother was the furthest thought from my mind when I am in the fight of my life each day.

At this time in my life, dating was not even in the picture. Then, as I was pursuing God's will for my life (inspirational speaking), he did the unthinkable/impossible. I met my husband who was very persistent and confident in 2011 . He swept me off my feet. We got married, and shortly after to my surprise, while I was on a speaking tour, I found out I was 15 weeks PREGNANT!!!

YES, I was just as shocked as you are!!! I was in my 2nd trimester before I knew I was carrying a BABY! With mixed emotions I came to Jesus looking for answers. I wanted to explode with joy, yet I had been on medications the whole time for my severe Lupus, blood clotting disorder, and I was in the 2nd phase of my chemo. I thought, "Would my baby be ok?"

I faced my biggest fears of possible disabilities/abnormalities. I prayed, prayed and prayed. I made a deal with God that if He felt I was capable of this great responsibility then I would love her however He gave her to me. Hope Grace was born with a short left arm, one less rib and an extra lumbar vertebrae. We started extensive occupational therapy for her in our home at 3 months old.

I'm blessed to say that after a year old Hope's test results showed NO short arm, NO missing rib and NO extra lumbar vertebrae. Although she had some motor delays, she ended up walking and crawling at the SAME time (at 16 months) and exceeding all expectations!

She has taken the world by storm. She has saved my life! She gives me even more reason to stay strong and continue this health battle. She is healthy, vibrant, sweet, funny, active and loves Jesus. She already has a big calling on her life!

God led us to her name during such a turbulent time in our life. We heard clearly that by the GRACE of God, He brought us HOPE! Hope is the anchor for the soul. Without Hope, there is no life and reason to live.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Hope Graciela Castellon. We love you so very much!!!

SHARE the good news! Miracles happen everyday, not just in biblical times! If you weren't a believer before, then I hope this sweet pea's story changed your heart ♡. She has blessed me beyond measure! I've learned so much from her. God is ALMIGHTY!

P.S. I'm also the BONUS mom to two handsome, loving, sweet boys . Thankful for my life!

#messenger #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #speakerlife #Lupusdiaries #miraclesbaby#LiveFullDieEmpty #HopeGrace #manyarecalledbutfewarechosen

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

TESTIMONY!!!!  Today is the greatest LOVE story ever told!  Happy Resurrection Day!

A day in the life with Lupus...

I sit here in tears reflecting over the weekend. Jesus has risen and conquered the grave for unworthy people like us.  God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish and have eternal life (John 3:16).  It is not what we have done, but all about the sacrifice He made for us to be made anew!  Really think about it! We are not worthy yet He loves us unconditionally.  

In 2009, I had death knocking at my doorstep. I seized, flatlined (clinically dead), seized a couple more times then woke up to find out I had reverted to a 6 month old child.  I didn't know my name or who my relatives were.  I couldn't talk or spell. I have pictures of my Dad and brother feeding me, my Mom and aunts combing my hair and brushing my teeth.  I needed assistance with EVERYTHING!!! 

You grow up thinking you will take care of your parents someday then you find yourself in your late 20s being cared for!  

I woke up after several days in the hospital. The docs informed my family that Lupus was attacking my brain (Lupus Cerebritis). They believed that I would have to undergo 6 months of chemo therapy AND a year of physical, occupational and speech therapy and I could never return to my "normal" life. At that time, dating and family life was the furthest thing from my mind.  

Well, the miracle maker had greater plans. I went through therapy for ONLY 4 months exceeding all expectations. I graduated from the program early and was even asked to deliver an inspirational speech to the staff before I left!

My 2-time purple heart recipient,  veteran, executive chef husband walked into my life in 2011 and swept me off my feet. I instantly became a "bonus" mom to two adorable, fun loving boys now ages 4 and 6, Xavier & Christian Castellon.

Then, to everyone's surprise I found out that I was pregnant AFTER my first trimester (after 15 weeks). I was at the height of my speaking career traveling the country and promoting a couple of books :).  I went in for a check up because of my bronchitis. I came out a MOM!  To say the least, my daughter, Hope Graciela Castellon, saved my life! I was a high risk pregnancy all the way through.  Docs asked me to reconsider my options, because they didn't want me or the baby dying during my pregnancy.

After all the trauma my body endured since 2006, by medical terms, I was infertile from the chemo.  God has a great sense of humor =)! I'm so thankful that he entrusted me to carry His child and experience parenthood. By the GRACE of God,  He brought us HOPE. 

When everything looked dark in my life,  He came with a spotlight. He has a plan so much greater than ours. He puts our dreams to shame. He is a Healer and Provider.  He is the Ultimate Physician.  No matter all the test results, He wiped them away and made me anew!   

That is right! I'm a wife, bonus mom and mom!  What did those doctors say? It doesn't matter! I stand on God's promises.

I'm speechless....(drops the mic and walks away while dancing and praising Him through this storm).

So what are you worried about? He has your back, amigos!  Jesus laid down His life for you! He is performing a miracle in your life right now! 

Castellon Family

#messenger #inspiration #ihavetotestify #makingbelieversoutofyou #Sol2Soul #PowerofWomen #Manyarecalledbutfewarechosen #blessed #highlyfavored #speakerlife #Jesusisamiraclemaker #Provider #Healer #LiveFullDieEmpty

Seek Your passion, Feed Your Soul, Love Your Life,

Evelina Solis

Certified Life Coach. Inspirational Speaker. Survivor. Mommypreneur. Certified Zumba Instructor

www.EvelinaSolis.com

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