I remember when my infertility diagnosis was relatively new. Visions of my past mistakes and rebellion flashed before my eyes, and I would get a sinking feeling in my stomach. I began recollecting my decision not to stay pure before marriage. Though I was not a Believer at that time, my heart still broke at those thoughts of promiscuity. One day I felt a darkness -- a sense of guilt, panic, and anxiety rushed over me. My mind was racing: “Is God punishing me because of my sexual rebellion and lack of obedience?” “Is my infertility because of my sin and dirtiness?” "Did I ruin our hopes of becoming a family?" A couple years ago, I experienced a moment that radically impacted my walk … [Read more...]
A Closer Look at Sarah and Abraham
At some point throughout your infertility journey, perhaps you've reflected on or have been pointed to Sarah and Abraham's story in the Bible (mainly Genesis chapters 11 through 23). When I share my story with others, oftentimes the first encouragement I hear is of Sarah and Abraham's infertility. You may find it interesting that this never brought me much comfort. Back then, to me it seemed miracles like theirs were few and far between. It seemed that I could not relate to their lives. It felt like that time and culture was so distant and removed. And in some instances, it felt like some people offered this story as a Christian 'quick fix'. … [Read more...]
{Your Story} Jil and Brooks Davis
It's my joy and honor to share this guest post and insight from Jil Davis, a fantastic woman of God that I met through Instagram along our infertility journey. Jil is wonderfully suited to be my first guest poster on "It's Positive!" because her perspective on infertility is Gospel-centered like mine. Jil and her husband Brooks own and operate ThorneBrook Farms in beautiful Virginia where they raise all natural grass fed beef and lamb. She is also the author of "For the Love of Joy" blog. Please enjoy her story and make sure to head over to "For the Love of Joy"! I met my husband, Brooks, in high school 16 years ago. We were so young and in love; full of hopes and dreams of … [Read more...]
2016: I Can Choose
As 2015 came to a close, my Facebook and Instagram feeds were flooded with friends' recaps of the past year. My first instinct led me to make a collage including pictures of Matt and I kayaking down the Eagle River, hiking the rocky bluffs along Lake Michigan and Green Bay, taking two family vacations, getting baptized, and having fun (and this didn't even include memorable fun friend outings!). Infertility was not in the forefront of my mind. Later that day, I saw a woman I follow on my "It's Positive!" Instagram post her year in review -- but strictly from an infertility standpoint. I thought: Hmm, I wonder what our infertility year would look like in a collage. So I made … [Read more...]