Empty Arms on Mother's Day--A Letter

To the woman walking through infertility:

I see you. You are not forgotten on this day. I know what today can bring. I know what it feels like to look at the flowers for the mothers at church and do your best to hide the tears in your eyes, knowing there isn't one for you. I know your heart aches. I know your pride hurts. I know that what you go through every 28 days is a real and powerful grief. I know you mourn what could have been. I know you should probably buy stock in pregnancy tests. I know you're angry. I know you might secretly want to punch women in the baby section at Target. I know EVERYBODY is pregnant in your city, and the women who aren't pregnant already have perfect, bouncing babies. They probably have five. Probably quintuplets. I know you've been asked if you and your husband want kids. I know someone you've revealed your struggle to has told you how to fix the problem by relaxing and taking your temperature and trying harder and not trying at all and adopting a baby so you can get pregnant!

Thankfully, I also know this-when you are blessed with a child, you will be a better mother for the work God is doing in you during this season. You will take (way) too many pictures. You will cherish every moment. You'll be told you hold your baby too much, but you won't mind having your hands full because you'll remember the time you spent with your arms empty.

Know that I am praying for your heart today. I am praying you will take all the hurt and anger and grief and resentment to the Lord. You have to be honest, or it will eat you up inside. I hope you can continue to trust His timing even when it seems impossible. Trust He is working all things together for your good. I pray you don't lose hope when it looks hopeless. I pray God brings mighty women around you to hold you up when you grow weary. I'm asking God to strengthen your marriage- I pray you draw closer together, taking care not to let the enemy rip you apart. And I pray today you experience unexpected joy and the peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus. You matter. You are enough. You are loved.

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