It’s so easy to feel isolated and alone when you’re struggling through infertility. Somehow, it helps to know that other women (and men) are struggling, too. The community that’s built through sharing stories is invaluable — which is why I consistently urge you to set aside secrecy in favor of finding others who understand.
Of course, understanding doesn’t always translate into the kind of support or sympathy you need in the moment (that’s what inspired my last post), but it’s worth the risk. As one reader commented,
“As one who has been through many trials, it is so much better doing it transparently. There will always be those who look at you with pity, but there will also be those who LOVE you and know you just need a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold.”
Yesterday, I discovered that hundreds of SingaporeMotherhood.com readers made their way to this blog in search of community and understanding. They were following a link in a chatroom post that read, in part…
“Dear sisters, I am touched by the care which you have rendered to support one another. I have been married for 12 years and am dying to have a baby of my own. I have been praying to God to answer my prayer, and in the midst of searching for God’s voice, I chanced upon this blog last night. As I was reading it, my emotions were greatly stirred! I felt a strong urge to share this blog with sisters who have been through a tough, roller coaster ride in their hope of becoming parents.”
It is both thrilling and humbling to know that my blog posts can inspire people struggling through infertility half a world away. The Lord knows the glory is His. But here’s what was most exciting to me….
In 2010, the fertility rate in Singapore was the third-lowest in the world. That makes for lots of community if you want a baby but can’t seem to conceive and bring one to term. The problem is not quality of care. Singapore has the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. So, what’s the problem?
And, at least as important, when those statistics define your experience, where do you turn for help and hope?
In a country where the predominant religion is Buddhism, one woman had the courage to say to others, “I found hope. There is hope in Christ. And you can read more about it at PregnantWithHope….”
That is God’s incredible grace. He plants a seed of hope, meeting one need, and it generates a great harvest. One woman in Singapore found hope – and she risked sharing it with others hungry for the same kind of hope. One online forum post led to almost 200 new readers for this blog. That’s the awesome goodness of God in action.
So, are you feeling alone? Can’t find community? Don’t worry. God can. He’ll lead you to it, and then use you to guide others there. All so He can give you the love, compassion, mercy and grace you need to make the journey through infertility to parenthood – and the future He’d always planned for you.
Pregnant with Hope 