Andy & Andrea Southmayd – Running with Jesus in the Dark

This week, Andy and Andrea Southmayd shared a deeply honest story about family, faith, grief, and learning to say yes to what Jesus places in front of us.

They married with hopes of building a big family, including adoption, foster care, and children of their own. Along the way, they encountered infertility, miscarriages, and many unexpected turns. Their story has held grief and hope at the same time, but through every season they have learned that Jesus has been present.

Andy and Andrea also shared what happened when they said yes to Gigi, a six-year-old with significant needs. They did not have months to prepare or every support in place. Gigi arrived one week after they made the decision, while Andrea was still working full-time and they were caring for two teenagers. The practical needs were immediate, and learning how to receive help became part of the story.

Andrea described the experience as running with Jesus in the dark. They do not know exactly what the future will look like, but they are learning to trust Him, take the next step, and reach out when they need help.

Andy and Andrea also spoke about the gift Gigi brings to their family and community. The world often tells us that our value comes from what we can do, achieve, or contribute. But Gigi has helped them remember that we are loved by Jesus simply because we are human—not because of our capacity or performance. We are not what we do. We are who we are right now, held in the love of God.

Their story is an invitation to share what is difficult instead of carrying it alone. When we bring grief, uncertainty, and vulnerability into community, Jesus meets us there and often brings family around the lonely.