http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio.aspx?ID{EA399CE5-F7F0-4486-8278-9362CA9C080C}
God is always throwing me little punches to the gut, and I am grateful for them.
I was listening to a radio program today ( link above) entitled "Hope in the midst of infertility" As I have many friends who face this daily, after listening to this program I have to say, "I am sorry!" I cannot believe some of the things these women mentioned, that I have done, that they say have totally torn them apart. As we try to be encouraging, often times we may come off quite the opposite. I would encourage everyone to take a listen to these women's stories.
What came to my attention the most is when one women was describing an experience she had in her small bible group. She was saying how she would sit and listen to one pregnancy announcement after another, one birth announcement after another trying to keep her game face on. I felt so sad for her because I know I have sat in my small bible groups and announced my pregnancies and never really realized how jarring that could be to the lady struggling right next to me. But what really hit home was when she talked about the women who would complain. Now, we all know how difficult pregnancy can be, but this woman was just biting her tongue, trying not to shout, "REALLY?? I'll trade you!"
Man oh man. I am a WHINY pregnant lady. I complain to anyone who will listen. I'll complain to people who won't listen! I'll just talk 'at' them and care less if they heard one word. I remember when I found out I was pregnant with James. I was mad. I wasn't looking forward to being pregnant again. I had just lost my baby weight from Charlotte, I had bought new clothes, I had a new job.(All selfish reasons) Life was right where I wanted it to be. Then here came a pregnancy that I wasn't 'mentally prepared' for and I whined. To everybody. It seems so foolish now. I was so caught up in my own cry-baby fest that I never stopped to think of who was listening to my words. Who was struggling to conceive, and here I had by 'accident' and had the nerve to complain. I am sure there were many women in my circle of friends who wanted to strangle me. (infertile or not) It's funny how easily the Devil can slip blinders on us and keep us from seeing how blessed we are, or how we can miss an opportunity to be compassionate. I could have been a blessing instead of focusing on how poorly Gods plans fit in with mine. And of course now, I couldn't live without my sweet baby James. I keep thinking how foolish and heartless I must have seemed. It's like complaining about your steak dinner to a person who hasn't eaten in a week. So I am sorry to all my dear, sweet ladies who have this heartbreaking cross to carry. I am sorry if my words ever made you feel like punching me, and I am grateful you had the class to not actually do it! = ) I hope I can be forgiven, and prayerfully be an encouragement to you in the future.
God is always throwing me little punches to the gut, and I am grateful for them.
I was listening to a radio program today ( link above) entitled "Hope in the midst of infertility" As I have many friends who face this daily, after listening to this program I have to say, "I am sorry!" I cannot believe some of the things these women mentioned, that I have done, that they say have totally torn them apart. As we try to be encouraging, often times we may come off quite the opposite. I would encourage everyone to take a listen to these women's stories.
What came to my attention the most is when one women was describing an experience she had in her small bible group. She was saying how she would sit and listen to one pregnancy announcement after another, one birth announcement after another trying to keep her game face on. I felt so sad for her because I know I have sat in my small bible groups and announced my pregnancies and never really realized how jarring that could be to the lady struggling right next to me. But what really hit home was when she talked about the women who would complain. Now, we all know how difficult pregnancy can be, but this woman was just biting her tongue, trying not to shout, "REALLY?? I'll trade you!"
Man oh man. I am a WHINY pregnant lady. I complain to anyone who will listen. I'll complain to people who won't listen! I'll just talk 'at' them and care less if they heard one word. I remember when I found out I was pregnant with James. I was mad. I wasn't looking forward to being pregnant again. I had just lost my baby weight from Charlotte, I had bought new clothes, I had a new job.(All selfish reasons) Life was right where I wanted it to be. Then here came a pregnancy that I wasn't 'mentally prepared' for and I whined. To everybody. It seems so foolish now. I was so caught up in my own cry-baby fest that I never stopped to think of who was listening to my words. Who was struggling to conceive, and here I had by 'accident' and had the nerve to complain. I am sure there were many women in my circle of friends who wanted to strangle me. (infertile or not) It's funny how easily the Devil can slip blinders on us and keep us from seeing how blessed we are, or how we can miss an opportunity to be compassionate. I could have been a blessing instead of focusing on how poorly Gods plans fit in with mine. And of course now, I couldn't live without my sweet baby James. I keep thinking how foolish and heartless I must have seemed. It's like complaining about your steak dinner to a person who hasn't eaten in a week. So I am sorry to all my dear, sweet ladies who have this heartbreaking cross to carry. I am sorry if my words ever made you feel like punching me, and I am grateful you had the class to not actually do it! = ) I hope I can be forgiven, and prayerfully be an encouragement to you in the future.
I never realized how much my complaining could hurt until I became friends with some women who had infertility issues. There are so many daily reminders of their hurt!
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