I’m teaming up again with Lisa-Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday. the word prompt this week is jump.
A large part of my ministry comes from my history of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility. It was a heartache that didn’t resolve for 15 years, and because of the losses I suffered along the way, the scars are ever present. Through Jesus my wounds are healed but my memories
of that time, as difficult as they are, stay vivid. It aids to help others who are facing the battles right now. Precious women that need encouragement to jump…
At the beginning of my journey there were many hurdles in the way. At first, it wasn’t so hard to jump them. Youth was on my side, and I was full of hope. As time went on, I was stumbling as I reached the hurdles, barely able to make the jump, sometimes falling over them.
For a very long time my husband and I were both silent about our journey. It was embarrassing to share what my body should have been able to do but couldn’t. Shooting myself up with hormones to try to force ovulation seemed like hardly the thing to share about over dinner with friends. I was afraid of the uncomfortable conversations and sad eyes from others. I didn’t want sympathy.
But then I thought maybe when we face hurdles in life, because we all do, we aren’t supposed to jump alone. Maybe we need others there to take our arms and help us make the jump. Maybe other people can even pray those hurdles gone. And maybe, just maybe, with this type of prayer support, hope abides. I found that it does.
Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week. You may not know someone who is struggling, but maybe you do and the person is being silent. Can you please bind together in prayer and pray for couples all over this world, known or unknown, who need you? I guarantee they need help making the jump…
Amen, thank you.
Beautiful, Jennifer. Love that you are sharing your story to encourage others. I was only able to have one child. I had one miscarriage after that and then spent a very long time trying to conceive again…even made several trips an infertility clinic and tried intrauterine. It’s a hard journey, the ups and downs of emotions…definitely shouldn’t go it alone!!
Thank you for sharing that, Eileen. I struggled with secondary infertility, so I also had one child, and then fought 15 years to add to our family. It is a hard road. I know how thankful you are for the child you have! Praise God He has the perfect plans for our lives! 🙂
Visiting from FMF, and touched by your words. I, too, struggled with infertility and can relate to how hard it was to talk about with others. Thank you for your transparency.
Thank you for reading, Jenn. We often treat it as a silent journey, but it isn’t meant to be.
I’ve not struggled with infertility, but know others who do/have. I am always blessed and encouraged of the testimony of God’s faithfulness in the midst. Thank you for using your voice to encourage others. We are never to jump alone, no matter what the hardship. New Facebook Follower!
Thanks, Barbie! God is faithful!
Thank you for being so open, honest, and inspiring. As someone who has miscarried and been through a painful adoption fail (for lack of a better description), I understand how there is a need to talk about the loss but not knowing how or who might listen. I’m praying. Blessings, sweet sister…and thank you for your bravery in sharing your story with us.
Thank you, Mel. I am so sorry for your struggles. I’m so thankful we serve a faithful God:).
You’re not jumping alone-I’m right here with ya! Thank you for opening your heart to share your story. I know the wounds heal, but they still hurt at times. Lots of love, sister!
Thanks, Marcy. You’re right, sometimes the wounds still hurt.