Infertility
As a woman, it’s hard to describe the feelings you feel when your body is not doing what it was made to do. It’s hard not to compare yourself to the fertile friends around you. There are probably days when you are so consumed by sadness and weariness that you cry yourself to sleep.
Learning to process and mourn the feelings of despair and loss, however, both individually and as a couple, can help you in ways that would never have happened without the presence of this pain. No one knows how this journey will end; no one knows whether your dream of starting a family will come to fruition. But opening up your heart to others can lead to an incredible outpouring of love and support that will flood your heart, giving you strength in the darkest of times.
The resources listed below can be helpful. They are in the form of articles that Jim Kok has written, relevant postings from our 'Thoughts from Jim' column, recommended books written by Jim Kok, and helpful scripture verses.
Select Scripture verses
Genesis 11:30
Sarai was not able to have children.
Genesis 17:3 Then God said to him, “This is my covenant with you: You’ll be the father of many nations. Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, meaning that ‘I’m making you the father of many nations.’
Genesis 17:15,16
God continued speaking to Abraham, “And Sarai your wife: Don’t call her Sarai any longer; call her Sarah. I’ll bless her—yes! I’ll give you a son by her! Oh, how I’ll bless her! Nations will come from her; kings of nations will come from her.
Genesis 21:1-4
God visited Sarah exactly as he said he would; God did to Sarah what he promised: Sarah became pregnant and gave Abraham a son
Matthew 5:4
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
Psalm 30:4-5
You who are faithful to the Lord, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! …Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!
Psalm 147:3-6
He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
Articles from Care Capsules
Recommended Books
Miracle of Kindness (Chapter 3)
Thoughts from Jim
Stop Worrying; The Lord Holds On To You
Stop Worrying; The Lord Holds On To You - Part 2
OFFERING CARE TO THOSE STRUGGLING WITH INFERTILITY
Infertility is a word that evokes many concerns and questions, but, unfortunately, very few answers. Cause: unknown. Cure: unknown. But it is an issue that many find is entering their lives. Walking the path with couples who are dealing with this can be the most important and supportive element you can offer.
Your simple love for them and your compassion for the pain they feel will be a reassurance that they are not alone.
Resources available from Care and Kindness Ministries are in the form of articles that Jim Kok has written, relevant postings from our 'Thoughts from Jim' column,
recommended books written by Jim Kok, and helpful scripture verses. Draw from them to better equip yourself to offer help, love, and support to these couples.
Articles from Care Capsules
90% of Helping Is Just Showing Up!
Do You Have Two Ears? Or Three?
Recommended Books
Miracle of Kindness (Chapter 3)
Thoughts from Jim
Don't Just Do Something. Stand There!
More Acts of Care and Kindness
God Heals. We Walk Along Side.
A Major Mistake When Helping the Hurting