Echoes of Resilience….

Echoes of Resilience….

Farming is undeniably hard—agonizingly so. Yet, amidst the toil and sweat, there's a sweetness, a goodness that blossoms in the soil, nurtured by tender care and steadfast faith. Most of you have probably heard of  Ginger, our smaller Homestead Hog and many of you have likely even met her. She's more than just a sow; she's a symbol of hope and new beginnings. This week, more than ever, new beginnings that we so very much need! 

Many of you may recall the Easter two years ago, a day etched in memory for its fear and triumph. Ginger, heavy with piglets, struggled in labor, and our hearts clenched with worry. Our big adult hands unable to assist, not a veterinarian to be found early on a holiday weekend, it was left to FarmHer Raye to deliver the struggling piglet saving him, his siblings, and of course precious Ginger. Through hours of struggle and fervent prayers, by God's grace, a precious life emerged. Many of you have watched as little Raye, affectionately dubbing that big brute a "keeper," and her precious piglet grew up together. You've smiled at the posts of the dynamic duo, marveling at their bond. While not all cute piglets on our farm are pardoned, Raye would have had it no other way. (You can read the teeth-clenching story here.)

Ginger and now her offspring came from years of careful breeding, meticulously crafted for smaller homesteads and those seeking to take control of their food supply. Through selective genetics, she embodies the ideal combination of size, yield, and feed efficiency. Our homestead-size pigs, like Ginger, offer a remarkably high yield of meat for their compact size and require less feed compared to larger breeds. They make ideal pigs for those just starting out and wanting to try their hand at this crazy thing called farm life. 

Last week, as we mentioned the somber realities of farm life and that we had been through some really tough losses. One loss weighed heavier than the rest. That same piglet, born amidst the chaos of Easter, Rayes "Baby Brute", was among the casualties. The cruelty of fate and fluke, the brutality of Farm Life—it's a harsh truth we face with heavy hearts and tear-stained eyes.

But so it is with farm life, in the midst of grief, there's a flicker of light, a whisper of hope that dances on the horizon. More piglets will arrive and we just hold out faith that it will be well. As Ginger prepares to farrow this next litter, we're reminded of God's goodness, His promise of renewal and redemption. In Isaiah 43:19, He declares, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" And indeed, amidst the pain and loss, we see glimpses of His goodness, His mercy, His unwavering love.

Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of farm life, we're reminded of the importance of connecting with our food—whether it's by growing it ourselves or supporting those who do. Ginger, and these  babes to come with their lineage of careful breeding and small homestead suitability, embody what we work so darn hard for here- the possibility of helping others take control of their food supply.

In the face of loss and uncertainty, it's easy to be discouraged. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there's a glimmer of hope—a reminder that God is faithful. Again, we cling to the promise of renewal and redemption. Just as the Maker brings forth new life on the farm, He also invites us to step out in faith, trusting in His provision and guidance. We're not deterred by the challenges of farm life; rather, we rise up and embrace them. Through our experiences, shared transparently with our readers, we aim to inspire and empower others to embark on their own personal food journey and simple walks of faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible.