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My Greatest Challenge | Faith Friday

My nephew texted earlier this week and asked if he could interview me for a homework project. Little did I know the question coming wasn't an easy one, and it would bring tears and hard memories.

He said he was supposed to ask someone over 30 and not his parents about the biggest challenge in their life.

I advised I'd need a bit to think on that.

It didn't take long. I was able to pinpoint it easily.

Infertility.

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a mom. I never knew it wouldn't come easy.

Coach Man and I struggled for five years to have a child. During our struggle, I often couldn't understand why God was withholding my heart's desires and how other women, made a choice, and just threw away the gift of motherhood like no biggie. What I would have given for that child that they didn't want. Hey, girl, over here! Give it to me. I'll love the heck out of that baby! Really, I will.

During those years, all I could see around me was pregnant bellies. It was like they were everywhere. Probably, because of my heightened awareness and raw emotions...

I was sad, angry and depressed. I questioned God. I was mad at God. I was mad at the world. I was mad at my brother and sister-in-law that had 7! Just one, God, just one, pretty please.

I was resigned that we'd just be dog people. That a child wasn't in the plan for us.

Each year, as I see the articles around the March for Life and the hate people sling so easily at each in the streets and on social, due to differing opinions, my mind goes back to that woman in her 20s that would have given anything for a child. That woman that grieved deeply. I think about my husband, who might not be here, if his unwed teenage mother had made a different choice.

I think of the the woman I am today, a woman so grateful for the husband that was allowed to grow into a man and for the two little souls that were finally entrusted to me. My Roo and my Lou. Gifts from above and the joys of my life.



I pray and my heart is hopeful that more women can see the beauty in bringing forth life and cherishing it, at all stages, from womb to the tomb. That we all have open hearts and listening ears.

There is sacredness in family life. There is sacredness in sacrifice.

As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the world in which we live.
-  Saint John Paul II 

I pray for tomorrow's families, tomorrow's mothers and fathers, both born and unborn.

I know everyone's story and circumstances are different. If you're pregnant and not sure what to do, know there's people out there that will listen and help. You don't have to walk the journey alone. In the Central Indiana area, reach out to the Women's Care Center

And if motherhood isn't meant for you, I understand, and I prayerfully ask you to consider blessing someone like that woman above in her 20s grieving for a child of her own. Some aren't as lucky and never get that baby their heart so yearns for. What a gift you'd be giving - the gift of motherhood.

- Jen

Comments

  1. Remember those days so well. I'm grateful God blessed you with those two wonderful children. Love you sis!

    ReplyDelete

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