22 Apr National Infertility Awareness Week
This week is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). The NIAW movement began in 1989. The goal is to raise awareness and help the public understand more about infertility and reproductive health.
The statistics say that 1 in 8 couples go through infertility. This year the National Infertility organization, Resolve, chose the theme of ‘You Are Not Alone‘ which seems very fitting considering how common infertility is. When I heard the theme, immediately, the song “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe came to my mind. The truth is that none of us are ever alone and just like the song says, God always goes before us, is with us, and never leaves us.
My hope during this week is that someone who is suffering alone will share their story. Whether it’s with me, a friend, a co-worker, pastor, a doctor… that they would come out and ‘do’ life with someone else. I think about how Jesus did life with 12 disciples and what a perfect example He makes for us to follow. While you don’t have to share your struggle with the world, which is what I have done through this blog, I do think it’s important to find a group of close friends who can support you with love and prayer on this journey.
If you haven’t shared your story yet, I hope you do. I hope this post also speaks to the people who haven’t gone through infertility. While I believe no one can fully understand a situation until they have been through it, I hope those who haven’t gone through it realize how hard it is to struggle with something that you want more than anything, yet seems so natural and easy for others.
While I wish I wasn’t part of the 13% who struggles with infertility, I am SO grateful for this journey the Lord has taken me on. I have learned so much and have met so many amazing women along the way. Because of the blog and instagram community, I have made some very deep friendships. In addition, I met my airport angel which led us to finding a new church. The list goes on and on, but I see the Lord’s hand prints all over the past 3 years of waiting. While we are more than ready for it to be over, I’m grateful to share our story and bring awareness in hopes of encouraging others and reminding every couple who struggles that they are not alone.
No matter what you are facing today, whether it’s infertility, singleness, divorce, loss, etc, remember you are NEVER alone!
Cheryl Smith
Posted at 06:17h, 22 AprilNo, my friend, you are never alone. Even in those darkest moments, when you cannot “feel” God, He is there. I am praying often for you and trusting God to grant you the desires of your heart. Thank you for reaching out to others from the midst of your own pain. 🙂
jennifer prod
Posted at 06:47h, 22 Aprilwhat a beautiful post, and the message that you’re not alone is so important and so true. i never thought much about getting pregnant until i started trying, but after miscarrying i realized how hard it was not only to get pregnant, but to stay pregnant. i talk openly (obviously!) about all my experiences, and that’s helped me develop relationships with people dealing with infertility, miscarriage, and, of course, successful pregnancies. whatever your situation or story, talking about it has healing power and helps us connect more fully with others. my heart and prayers go out to those who are trying, those who are growing babies, and those who are raising children <3
Jojo
Posted at 08:48h, 22 AprilWe are never alone. It’s hard to imagine infertility as a blessing in disguise when you are first starting this journey but it truly is. The community alone is amazing and their are so many wonderful women out there who are there through every step of the way.
patricia umeh
Posted at 09:04h, 22 Aprilwe are not alone.God is our strength in this journey.Thanks for the nice post and remain forever blessed Amen.Shalom
amanda
Posted at 10:17h, 22 AprilSo grateful For your heart to see the good that has come from this difficult situation!
Chrissy
Posted at 11:48h, 22 AprilThankful for your post! My husband and I are also going on three years of infertility. I have a close group of friends with whom we share the struggle with, and of course our family knows. It is a blessing that even online through blogging we can meet others and support one another through our common bond. I pray that your journey will be one filled with God’s blessings and His will for your marriage/parenthood will be revealed to you both. And I LOVE that Kari Jobe song! 🙂
Elena
Posted at 12:22h, 22 AprilGreat post girl! I agree, lots of blessings from being placed on this journey! Although we wish we weren’t fighting this battle, we make the most of it and look for the positives rather than the negatives!
Jessi
Posted at 12:46h, 22 AprilI love that Kari Jobe song. It has spoken to me many, many times. He goes before us and that is something to celebrate, even when we can’t tell what God is doing, just knowing that He is already there, paving the way for us… wow. I love it!
Dreaming of Diapers
Posted at 13:47h, 22 AprilThank you Caroline! We are not alone and I appreciate the support I get from others like you. You are always there to keep my head up and encourage finding His way and His light. Thank you…we might be part of that 13% but one way or another we will get through this and His promise will shine through. Lots of love…xoxo
becky
Posted at 17:00h, 22 AprilGreat post! After 5+ years, it’s easy to feel alone….especially sometimes when other folks who have struggled with infertility begin to have children and adopt etc. I feel so left behind sometimes, especially since we are, like you, simply waiting upon the Lord. It’s a path that few take. I’m thankful for a wonderful and supportive family and of course for God’s constant presence through this journey. Thanks for the perspective my friend 🙂
Laura @ Making Baby Provence
Posted at 23:52h, 22 AprilI am so glad you are willing to share. Your openness is what made our friendship possible. You have been a huge blessing to me, Caroline! *Hugs*
Kelli {A Deeper Joy}
Posted at 08:53h, 23 AprilThat Kari Jobe always makes me cry. I’m encouraged every time I hear it!
Sarah J
Posted at 09:01h, 23 AprilThat Kari jobe song is one of my favorites. Thank you for always being so open and vulnerable- you are the reason that will help give light to this topic and encourage others in their journey. <3
Rebecca Jo
Posted at 10:32h, 23 AprilI don’t know why its not spoken about more often. It’s a lot of shame to it for some reason… I don’t get why, but maybe because we feel “less than”… I just know it bites… & glad to see it spoken about & to see people who suffer come together.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
Posted at 10:44h, 24 AprilWe went through a period of struggling to conceive and I remember just how alone I felt. At that time I wasn’t saved either so the solitary feeling was so gut-wrenching. I experienced vary similar feelings when I had miscarriages too – no one talks about these things much but it’s so important to know that there are others struggling and have very similar feelings.
Thanks for sharing and linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Brittany Dickerson
Posted at 10:12h, 27 AprilWe tried for years to have my first son. You’re not only, but when you’re so down it sure feels like it. People don’t like to talk about.
Holly Housewife
Posted at 19:21h, 27 Aprila lovely reminder.
Thank you for sharing 🙂