Longing for Motherhood is the book I wish I’d had when I first found out that I was barren. In the midst of my sorrow, I felt completely alone and longed for friends and family to “get” my suffering. If you find yourself in the midst of childlessness, this book is to let you know that you aren’t alone in your suffering. There are other couples who have experienced the pain of infertility and miscarriage. And there’s a Heavenly Father that sees and loves you.
If you’re a friend or family member of someone who’s in a season of childlessness, the book was designed to be a resource, and hopefully teach you how to care well for the childless.
My prayer is that pastors, church members, friends and family will read and share Longing for Motherhood with others. If you’re a parent, and feel unsure (or possibly even a little guilty) talking about someone’s infertility or miscarriage with them, I’d encourage you to remember something. While childlessness is a unique trial, all Christians are going to experience unfulfilled longings at some point in life. Even if you can’t relate to the trial of childlessness, chances are, you’ve experienced some kind of suffering. Remember the pain your heart felt in the heat of those sorrowful moments – what was helpful / harmful in those moments? Use your own encounters with suffering to teach you how to be more empathetic. It’s important not to compare trials, but to enter into conversations with the childless tenderly and sympathetically.
I thought it would be helpful to share a few ways on how to gift LFM to those who are struggling with childlessness.
Pray
This is by far the most important step! It’s vital to seek the Lord’s guidance when ministering to others. Ask Him to lay on your heart who might need to revive the hope found in the pages of this book.
“Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer can do.” – Charles Spurgeon
Go Through The Book Together
At the end of there are reflection and discussion questions. Consider offering to read through the book together with a friend. Giving the gift of listening to someone’s heart is an unparalleled gift. For someone in the midst of sorrow, it can be therapeutic to talk out feelings and know you won’t be judged for sharing how you actually feel. Talking doesn’t erase the sorrow, but it helps release some built-up emotion. Don’t hesitate to engage in conversation if a hurting woman wants to talk about her childlessness. Be willing to listen and ask constructive questions without jumping to offer an answer or advice.
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