S5 Episode #7- Hadley Eddings
THE ONE WITH HADLEY EDDINGS
This week we are excited to welcome Hadley Eddings to the show! Hadley is a dedicated wife, mom and friend. She lives in South Carolina and serves alongside her husband as he pastors a church in Charlotte. When she’s not busy taking care of her family, she enjoys creating and making jewelry for her small business, Messenger Co. Though her adult life has been marked by tragedy, she chooses joy and to believe that God is good and faithful through it all.
LISTEN
READ
Feeling Lost or Alone
Draw close to The Lord. In the midst of a season of feeling so isolated and alone, Hadley threw herself into reading her Bible and praying. Her constant prayer was, “Lord, fill me up.”
God’s faithfulness might not be visible in the moment, but He is always working on your behalf. It might not feel good yet, but God is not finished with the work He started with you.
Walking with God through Tragedy
In 2015, Hadley and her family were in a terrible car accident and they lost both of their sons. In the middle of unspeakable tragedy, God’s faithfulness and kindness carried them through.
Moments before the accident, Hadley felt prompted by The Lord to turn to Dobs and tell him that she loved him. This was the last time that she would be able to say those words to him, and she is in awe of the kindness of God to give her that sweet moment.
The accident happened near an intersection where a fire truck was fueling up. First responders were immediately on the scene. God did not cause the accident, but He was there. He was working in it and He was providing for every need along the way.
Hadley and her husband were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from their local community and strangers all over the world. They received such an abundance of financial gifts that they were able to pay all of their medical bills and have enough left over to build a school in Haiti that provides food and education for 500 kids!
God loves us and He takes our broken pieces and turns them into good for His glory. He makes beauty out of our ashes. Even when your story doesn’t turn out the way that you had hoped, God is still working.
In 2016, Hadley and her husband found out that they were pregnant again. It was twins! God has restored to them the family that they lost.
Restoring Joy
Hadley always knew that she wanted to be a wife and mom. When she lost her children, it felt like this dream was ripped away from her. Being restored her children has been such a blessing and has also restored her joy.
Hadley has had to release the “why”. When she focuses too much on the why she finds she gets stuck in frustration and anxiety. Instead, she keeps her eyes focused on God’s faithfulness through all of the hurt, grief and pain.
It’s not over until it’s good.
Creativity
Hadley’s dream was to always be a mom, but she didn’t realize how hard it would be at times. She desired to find something for herself– an identity outside of “mom”. Jewelry making and Messenger Co. was birthed out of this desire.
She is so grateful for her children and the blessings she has been given, but this creative outlet has been lifegiving and helps her remain rooted in who she was created to be.
Final Thoughts
Look back at God’s faithfulness in your life. Even the small things are reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Each trial can prepare you for what is coming. The past faithfulness of God can get us through the hard stuff and provide hope.
You never know what God is doing behind the scenes. Any moment could be the moment where everything changes for you, but no matter what happens next, God will never leave you hanging. God is faithful. God is good.
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The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes Biondo and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.