It has been a few years now since I experienced the heartache and carried the burden of infertility, but all it takes is for me to pause a moment and reflect on that time and the longing becomes tangible and the pain so real.
This week marks Infertility Awareness Week. Bringing awareness to a struggle that so many couples face in their marriage with one in eight couples affected by it in the United States.
Whenever I hear of a couple struggling to have a baby my heart literally aches for them, because I was once there and know the depths of the desire. The emotional roller-coaster, the waiting, the anger, the hope. To wonder if it will ever happen or only a dream to let go of. Guarding your heart and praying for that miracle. Trying to trust that there is a plan yet questioning where God is in all of it.
Studies show that couples who experience infertility are three times more likely to divorce. Infertility puts a real strain on the marriage. Each spouse grieving in their own way and the all consuming desire that sometimes can blur our vision.
Spring seems to be a season filled with pregnancy announcements and baby showers. New life all around us. A reminder to some of the emptiness they feel. The void always present wondering if it will ever be filled.
What can we do? If you know of someone going through it reach out, send a card, a note or flowers. Even if you don’t have the words simply let them know they are not alone, but supported in thoughts and prayers. Don’t be afraid to talk about it, they need to know they have a community behind them.
For those waiting and longing, you are daily in my prayers and always on my heart. Never lose hope, trust in the silence and see the flicker of light shining on the darkest of days. You are beautiful and enough, whole and complete. Do not let this define you.
You are beautiful in every way, my friend!
– Song of Songs 4:7
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