I love snail mail and greeting cards -- can we agree that we need to bring them back as a means of communication and thoughtfulness? (Ask my hubby and he'll tell you that I have a box filled with cards, organized by subject, with no one in mind to give them to -- I simply buy them for when the occasion arises. I love them! So much more fun than an email.) Over the years, I've received the most thoughtful and humorous cards from my loved ones during our infertility struggles. Oftentimes the cards are just what I needed! Sometimes I needed a laugh, sometimes I needed strengthening words. Sometimes I needed to commiserate, sometimes I needed a distraction. This recent ad from … [Read more...]
Feeling the Weight of Infertility? These Scriptures Will Help.
Infertility is a whirlwind of emotions — and I’ve experienced them all. Though many of us experience the weight of infertility at different levels and in personal ways, the truth of God's Word has the power to transform how we perceive our pain. Anger “If God loved me, this wouldn’t happen to me.” “A loving God wouldn’t do this to those He loved.” But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15) In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son … [Read more...]
Praying at the Fork in the Road
I have encountered many forks in the road throughout my years of struggling to conceive a child. One way tells me to wait, one way tells me to move forward in treatment. One way points to parenthood no matter the method, one way points to contentment in childlessness. The list can go on and on. Some days the pressure of choosing the "right" way is overwhelming, and the burden of these decisions can cloud my vision. When these decisions tempt me to despair, I do nothing else but pray and seek the Lord in his Word. So friend, no matter what decision you are facing today, seek the Lord above all else and pray scripture fervently. May these prayers lead and bless you. Pray for His … [Read more...]
When You Don’t Want to Attend Her Baby Shower
Baby showers. Most people see these as joyous occasions -- and they are! However, for many women suffering through infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant/child loss, baby showers can be a source of deep pain, anxiety, and heartache. I want to encourage you today -- and I mean, really encourage you. The word "encourage" quite literally means "to bring in to courage," and that's what I'm here to do. Please know that I am in no way saying you should feel guilty or ashamed if you choose not to attend a shower. But these words I am offering come from my own experience and suffering, and I hope they give you the boost of strength you need in your time of pain today. The slippery … [Read more...]