Four months ago, I heard an incredible story on BBC radio. It was so unbelievable that I was convinced I hadn’t heard it correctly. But, I found the same story on CNN and in the LA Times and USA Today. And it was true.
Four months ago, Analia Bouter and her husband had been told that their baby girl was stillborn when she was delivered prematurely in Argentina’s Chaco province on April third. Because Analia had been understandably distressed immediately after the delivery, she hadn’t said a proper goodbye. So, after a few hours of recovery, before leaving the hospital, she insisted on seeing her daughter one last time. So, 12 hours after the baby was declared dead, she and her husband opened a coffin that had been nailed shut, in the refrigerated morgue, and in Analia’s words,
I moved the coverings aside . . . and I touched her hand and then uncovered her face. That’s when I heard a tiny little cry. I told myself I was imagining it — it was my imagination. And then I stepped back and saw her waking up. It was as if she was saying ‘Mama, you came for me!’ I fell to my knees. My husband didn’t know what to do. We were just crying and I laughed and cried, cries and laughter.
Analia’s brother picked up the baby and rushed her to the neonatal intensive care unit, and she is surviving. A modern-day miracle, she was given an appropriate name Luz Milagros, “Miracle Light.”
The story of God is this – we were dead, and God came for us.
The short passage Chris chose as our theme for this academic year, from 2 Corinthians 5, tells that story. It’s about the cosmic story taking place in history – that God came for us, that God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
We know from Genesis that human beings rebelled against God, destroying the community God designed for us to have with himself and with each other, leaving us in need of reconciliation. Leaving us, in the words of Scripture, dead.
But, God didn’t leave us with irreconcilable differences.
He said to us “I heard you, and in the day of salvation, I helped you.”
Christians believe that everything of that old story, the old creation– the bondage, the brokenness, the sin, the death – it has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ.
Ever since I heard that story, I’ve been thinking about how that little baby girl, Luz Milagros, will understand what happened to her. How does a miracle child live a normal life? If you’re her sibling, how do you steal her toy. And if you’re her parents, how do you ground her for the weekend?
She will certainly see the world uniquely. And others will see the world differently because of her.
Paul says in our passage that once new creation comes into our lives, once we understand that we were dead and God came for us, we don’t view the world the same anymore. We don’t see from the same old worldly perspective.
And our lives are fueled by that change in vision. Our lives are changed by that change in vision. It’s like we are wearing glasses that reverse everything.
So, we see people differently. It’s not people wielding power who impress us, but humble people. It’s not rich people who capture our attention, but those who are poor. Everything is reversed. In sorrow, we see hope for rejoicing. In having nothing, we can possess everything. If we are unknown people in this world, we are known by the God of all creation.
We’re going to worship in a few minutes, and I think real worship, when we get glimpses of it, arises out of a discovery like the one in the story of baby Luz Milagros.
That moment when there was laughter and crying, crying and laughter – was when Analia expected death and instead, there was life.
When we see God, who came for us, we sing what Scripture calls a new song, a song, no matter how old it is, that always contains a little bit of surprise, amazement, wonder, astonishment. Gratitude for what God has done in Christ.
We sing words that attempt to capture that moment when we see the world differently, when we no longer see from a worldly perspective.
How can people who are suffering sing “blessed be your name”? It’s because they no longer see from a worldly perspective. They can bless God in the desert and in the land that is plentiful, because they are wearing reversed glasses.
In the classic song Amazing Grace, that John Newton wrote when he repented of his life as a slave trader, he captured it so well- a blind man writing these word: I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind, but now I see. Amazing Grace.
Or I love this one – I was in Spartan Stadium last year, when more than 70,000 people sang from the Scriptures with Bono. My favorite U2 song is 40, from Psalm 40. It’s the new song that tells the old story of how God came for us. I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit. Out of the miry clay. I will sing, sing a new song.
Please stand for our time of worship and hear these words:
As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Sara, thanks for sharing this, very powerful, I want to understand more about God’s grace.
Thanks for the note Henry.
Wow. Words cannot begin to describe how amazed I am by this! And what a great name for a baby miracle! The part that says, “It’s not people wielding power who impress us, but humble people” reminds me of our discussion in class about 1 Samuel 1-2:11. When making a list of the verbs, “God humbles” was one of the ones we came up with as a class and I think it is so refreshing to see that it is a reoccurring statement throughout the bible.
I’m glad you made that connection from class. Good job.
A powerful and encouraging word. Thank you!
I believe that this was Gods way of saying that it was not her time to go. God wanted that little baby alive for some reason but it had to be one good reason. The way that God says in his songs how when your dead your alive i feel like that can be said for this story. This story about this baby was meant to be shared and told. I believe she is a miracle for a reason.
It seems like this may be a good example of God doing something seemingly impossible for someone. Perhaps this story can be compared to the story of hannah in 1 Samuel. Hannah was filled with grief over her infertility and yet God did the seemingly impossible and blessed her with a son; in the same way perhaps God heard the cries of this woman longing to have her child back and did the impossible and brought her back to life.
When I heard you give this message at chapel, I probably was a spectacle to see. Wide-eyed and open mouthed, I was really moved by the story. Some people ask why God doesn’t do miracles like he did in the Bible, and I have to ask them, why don’t you look around? I believe inspiring stories like these are little reminders; echoes if you will, of God saying, “I’m still here.” Everything happens for a purpose, and this little girl is definitely made for her name. She is something special, and God must have quite the plan for her life.
Listening to this story made me think of all the miracles that happen everyday, but we had the pleasure of sharing this one. Working in the medical field I see my fair share of miracles everyday, but this one is unbelievable. The effect it must of had on everyone around; from the parents to the medical workers who thought they had said their last goodbyes to a precious child. I want to relate this story to 1 Samuel 2:4 “”The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength” When i think of this I see that the family of this child would have been full of weakness and they would have stumbled through everyday life, but God had given them the strength to get past what they had seemed to lose. Everyday people lose something or someone they love and must go through life gaining the strength the put it in the past. This family was lucky enough to have a miracle in their life, but the thought of almost loosing their child will be with them forever. That is where the strength of God comes in to make sure the child lives a happy life and will always be that miracle.
Being present in Chapel that day as you shared this story to everyone, I have to admit that I was touched by it. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that’s why God gave this little girl a second chance. There is a deeper meaning as to why she is still alive today; like she has a purpose of doing something big in her life someday that’s going to change the world. I felt the mom had the same feeling and that’s why she went to go see the baby when she thought it was going to be for the last time. God has bigger and better plans for Miracle.
September 25th, in chapel, I was amazed at the story you told. Some people ask why God doesn’t answer their every prayer, or perform miracles like they say he does in the Bible. But I believe he does perform miracles every minute of every day. God performed a miracle on me, similar to this story that you have read. Last December I was in a severe truck accident where the truck rolled over top of me, puncturing both my lungs, breaking ten ribs, and breaking both shoulders. I was pronounced dead on the scene, but I woke up in the hospital the next day. People question how I am still alive and I reply with, “because I believe.” God wanted me down on Earth with his sons and daughters because he has a special purpose for me down here. The same went for the Bouter’s baby girl. God performed his miracles because he has a special plan for this child’s life. I believe God’s miracles are around us everyday. Not all of them are as big this story, but miracles do happen because God loves us.
God’s light is never fully extinguished even in our greatest darkness, unless we lose complete hope. For God will never abandon us, even when we cannot see or feel him. We know God is with us because God has promised his people to be with us until the end of time. In the story above, of the miracle of the baby not dead, he chooses to show us his greatness and mercy for those who hope against hope. Let us sing his praises and not forget to share this story with others, and lead others to Christ. In Jesus’s name, Amen
This story is definitely a touching one. It is also an eye opener for those that don’t think god is with them. God is performing miracles like this everyday. I also, connect this to 1 Samuel, when god performs a miracle by giving Hannah a son. Hannah was infertile and in deep sorrow about not being able to have a child. God heard her cries for help and blessed her with a baby boy.
When I heard you read this story in chapel, I thought it was rather touching. It gave me chills at the thought of knowing God really did that. He still amazes us every day though everything that he does. I think this story really displayed how God still answers our prayers, even if it is not every single one. He answers the ones that matter, that are important, and that will structure our lives for the better. I really connect this story from Chapters 6 in the book Simply Christian. God granted Israel with a homecoming just as does still today. God grants our lives with homecoming’s too. He rescues us from our deepest despairs and still uplifts us to a better tomorrow.
Professor Barton I love the story that was told at chapel, pertaining to the young women who’s daughter was pronounced brain dead. It is truly an incredible story. Which goes to show God has the final say on all of our outcomes. The doctors said the baby was not alive, but God had his hand over the family and allowed the baby to live. It is truly a miraculous story. I believe it was a wonderful story to start of chapel off with, allowing everyone there to realize, God truly has the final say of how the outcome is in our lives. Thank for sharing such a wonderful story, it was truly enlightening. In connection with the class God has made many miracles come alive; the birth of Jesus. In class we talked about us and beginning our Christian walk. This stories connect with our Christian walk, the mother never gave up on her child. God never gives up on us. She wanted to take one last look at her child, God takes last looks at us. Taking us through situations he knows that will draw us closer to him, our Christian walk. And if we slip he is there to pick us back up again.
Adding to my earlier passage, I think this story connects to what we are learning in class by for example “The story of God is this – we were dead, and God came for us.” We had discussed in class that we were indeed once dead just like this little girl but then he gave us life. This is exactly the kind of chance that the baby received as well.
I really thought this was a good start to chapel, it just shows you must have faith. God hears and sees everything you do and is always around. We may not always get what we want all the time but when we need God he is there and thats important. Just believe in god because he believes in you and answers the prayers that count. What he granted that baby was unbelievable, new life.
I believe that God does things that no one can really understand. He may not always prevent bad things from happening to good people, but He often reward good people in different ways; some ways more simpler than others. This family is truly blessed to have their baby girl survive and live a healthy life, they were blessed because they believed. I’m sure in their heart’s they believed that something good was going to happen and it did, they had faith and God heard their prayers and answered them. This is like when we talked in class about how God is humble. We were reading Samuel 1 and 2 and we had to come up with verbs that described God. Humble was a word that I believe describes God the best, He is humble in times when we need Him the most.
I was very moved by this story when I heard it at chapel. Analia Bouter’s daughter had been sent on Earth with a purpose. Like in 1 Samuel 2:6 God brings death and makes it alive. God first brought the baby down to the grave. But then decided that he was going to send her back to earth. Also in Simply Christian, Wright’s third option is shown here. God is within the sphere of earth. God makes his presence known by bringing the baby back to life. Thank you for sharing it with us Mrs. Barton!
Emily, I believe that Analia Bouter was definitely sent here with a purpose! Great comment!
I feel rather emotional after reading this. Before i was born my parents lost a child a year prior to me being born. It was a little baby girl, and she was only 3 days old. But as it’s said in 1 Samuel God allows death to happen, but also brings life and always has a plan. And so when i was born almost exactly a year later, they said i was miracle. So I was able to relate to this in a small way and I know God has some thing special in store for me just as for everyone else. Thanks for sharing this incredible story Mrs. Barton.
I still get the chills every time I read hear that story. It truly is a modern day miracle to remind us how powerful and generous God really is. 2 Corinthians not only relates to Luz but also to Isaiah and how the continues theme is God redeeming His people, and someday coming back for them. The day everything will be at true peace. One thing that stuck out to me in your thoughts about the story was saying that “in having nothing, we posses everything.” It reminded me of the story of the woman who gave a penny for her offering. She gave out of what she didn’t have and truly understood the meaning of God and his plan.
This story really shows that miracles happen. Like in Samuel chapter 1, Hannah could not have a child but she prayed to the Lord and miraculously gave birth to Samuel. I’m sure this family prayed many times for their baby girl and their prayers were answered. It is very shocking to me and really made me think “How?” The only answer I could come up with is because God was there. He was watching over the family and provided them with a miracle. This shows that God does answer prayers. Even if you think he is not watching over you, he is.
Hannah, I liked your example with “Hannah” from the Bible. Haha I’m guessing that is where you got your name from!? I could not agree more with your answer to the story. God was really there and brought that babe back to life for that family. It is just a reminder that He is always there watching over us.
When I hear this story in chapel I immediately got the goosebumps, I couldn’t see were the story was going. I thought it might be about how the couple got through the hard time together, and then have another baby or something in that nature, but when I hear what happened I was immediately astonished. It was one of God’s miracles and He did it as a reminder to that family that He is still here and that He never left us. I was thinking about this story for the rest of that day. It made me want to look up in the sky and thank God for all my blessing! This was definitely one of the best story’s I have heard in my first year of chapel at Rochester college.
I agree Stavros, this has been one of the best stories I’ve heard in Chapel this year as well.
This story shows us that God can do extraordinary things. It also made me re-evaluate my life and think about what’s important and what’s not. I have to say that after hearing that story I found that if you just have faith in Him that everything will work out. I’m very glad that you shared this with us.
This was such an inspirational story. God works is mysterious ways and he definitely did for for this story. I connect this to Samuel chapter 1. Hannah could not have a child. She prayed and prayed and God finally gave her one. In this story everyone including the baby’s parents thought she was dead. She then amazingly came back to life. I believe that was by God’s doing. He has a plan for this baby and it wasn’t her time to go. He wanted her to live and he answered the parents’ prayers.
I wanted to add that, in relation to what we’re learning in class, this story just like some we see in the Bible shows that God still performs miracles.
The devastating and heart wrenching moment when Luz Milagros is said to be dead turns into a blessing that is almost is surreal. This story deals with the same lesson we are learning in class. There are trials, but then they can turn into good. It is almost like a hill; things are hard at first, but on the way down, it gets easier. In class, we learned that Hannah was not able to have a child. Through prayer to the Lord, he gave her a son, Samuel. Things were hard for Luz at the beginning because she was pronounced dead; God, however, had another plan for her and she gained life.
Wow!!!!!! That is a powerful story of how God shows us his power and grace. This story is alot like 1 Samuel Ch. 1&2:11 when Hannah was trying to bare a child and she weep cause she really wanted a child and God blessed her with a child later in the story. This story had all the verbs just like the story about how God blessed Hannah with Samuel. I think its amazing how God keeps showing us oness and togetherness to show his love just like this class is teaching us. I love how God can say and do one thing one minute but then the next he is showing his grace and how he is in control and has the final say. He still shows us that in today world he can still perform miracles. We serve an awesome God. That still shows us his glory.