I have wanted to blog for awhile, but have been silent due to some tests we are waiting on. (Just a few more weeks, we are hoping on that, and just to not be confusing, it isn't infertility testing) Then I can let you guys know what has been going on in our lives recently. Until then, I wanted to share this video I ran across today, in honor of the close friends and family we know whom have struggled with infertility.

In Philippians Paul calls upon us to be “Like Minded” In Christ. My eyes have been opened a little to sorrow with conception since we lost Isaiah, but complete understanding with infertility is still just barely there since I have not walked those shoes. This video opened my eyes more. Many times I may *feel* like crying, but very few things actually make me cry. This video did, and in the very first 10 seconds.

My desire is not that this come off as preachy, but motivating. This just opend my eyes to places where I may have failed where I could have loved instead, where I could have tried harder. And now, now that I see, I am ashamed as a Christian and I am thankful that God is so merciful. I just can not sit back anymore, I have been challenged to reach out, and in realizing this, I want others to know. Others NEED to know. Sitting back and wishing it was different, or feeling bad for the way things are is not an option anymore, but standing side by side, hand in hand, knee to knee, praying IS.

1 in 6 couples struggles with infertility, and yet it remains somewhat taboo. Why is this? Just think about it for a minute. Do we hold back in fear of what to say, or in lack of knowledge, or lack of understanding, or even an aloof “it’s their problem to deal with”...? I have done all these things, and my heart is so saddened by it. According to Paul, we are to hurt when others hurt, and rejoice when others rejoice. According to Paul there are NO problems that are solely someone else’s to deal with alone, Christ has called upon us to be ministers of His Love and Grace, it’s a COMMAND. Not to preach, but to LOVE.

Not Law and judgement, or well meaning words, or quick quips offering mild reassurance, or even casual, careless remarks that sting as arrows “well meaning” as they might have been. But Grace….lots and lots of grace, Not Advice…but Love and support, an ear ready to listen and a mouth ready to lift up prayers of support…lots and lots of Grace, lots of understanding…When Lazarus died Jesus didn’t criticize them for mourning. He didn’t act incredulous at their sorrow or express that their sorrow was a lack of faith. FIRST,  He wept, First….HE cried. First He was like-minded. And it was recorded that by this the Jews knew He’d loved Lazarus. To hurt to understand…To embrace... simply to love with Christ's heart…

To Taite and Sherry

To Nick and Brandie

To Kevin and Ronda

To Sean and Terra:

I am sorry for all the times I may have acted carelessly at your expense. I am sorry for the times I may have said or done the wrong things. I am sorry for the times I have not been understanding, but selfish and ignorant instead. I hope you know that I love you guys so very much, and I value EACH of you in my life immensely. My heart has hurt for you, and I have prayed many nights for each of you…but until now I have not wept for you. Please know how much we truly love you guys. Please know I still pray for you. Please know you can be open with me, please know I'm here for you.

Please get the link out to others, take the time….1 in 6 couples is A LOT…chances are you already know a couple, or you will in the future, infertility is not biast in whom it plagues, and the hurt is very very real…As Christians, as friends, as family, we can not ignore this.

…More eyes need to be opened, and more understanding rooted in The Grace and Love of Christ is needed…

Here is the video: