From time to time, I lie awake at night, struggling to comprehend my future as a potentially childless woman. I am haunted by thoughts such as: "What will our future look like as a childless couple? Who will our close friends be? Will people still invite us to be part of their lives? Will we ever be able to participate in or relate to conversations with our parent friends? Who is going to take care of us when we're elderly, and who will visit us in the nursing home?" Truthfully, I have reasons to feel this way. Friends my age have moved on to (rightly) pursue and prioritize their children and family life. So, naturally I don't get invited to play dates, I don't understand half the things … [Read more...]
Praying in the Confusion
Are you in a season of confusion? Perhaps you are seeking to make a potentially life-changing decision, or maybe you are simply feeling directionless. As a woman living through infertility, I find that I experience confusion on a regular basis. Either I feel unclear on where the Lord is leading me, or I feel as though I am immovable as I weigh our options. The best step you and I can take when we are lost in the confusion is to bring our cares to our Lord and Savior. Pray through the Word with me as we battle the cloud of confusion that can so easily tempt us to despair. Praying in the Confusion Oh gracious Lord, My mind is pulling me in numerous directions, and I'm growing weary of … [Read more...]
Let’s Be Like the Shepherds
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night…And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12) With Christmas upon us, I reminisced about my childhood years in private school. Every year at church, we performed the Christmas story as recorded by Luke. The roles my classmates and I anticipated to play were Mary and Joseph. If not chosen for those main roles, we hoped … [Read more...]
A Prayer for the Woman Without a Baby This Christmas
Oh gracious Savior, Above all else at Christmastime, I thank you for willingly coming down from your heavenly throne to walk among us and experience life in a fallen world. Thank you for loving your people so deeply that you chose to show us the way to your kingdom. Thank you for opening the door to freedom and salvation through your life, death, and resurrection, Jesus. Lord, you know my heart’s longing to be a mother. You know the pain and emptiness I feel, especially around the holidays. I ask that you strengthen my heart and give it rest, Lord. Open my eyes to see the gracious gifts you have lavished upon me, and increase the gratitude in my heart. Please equip me through your … [Read more...]