Infertility Awareness Month: A Letter to the Waiting Woman June is World Infertility Awareness Month, so I decided to write a different type of post as we close out the month.According to the World Health Organization, infertility is “defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more” of trying to conceive.My heart has been heavy for all the women who identify with this struggle. Whether we used to talk, are currently friends, or have never even met, my heart truly goes out to you. Through many prayers, tears, and memories, this letter has been written to you. I pray you feel seen and encouraged.For those who don’t struggle with infertility, I want to encourage you to read this. Galatians 6:2 says “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” God has called us to share in the burdens of our brothers and sisters. Even when we can’t understand what they walk through, we can carry the weight and demonstrate the love of God. To the woman who has been longing for motherhood:Please know you are seen, valued, and appreciated.You may not have a baby you can call your own, but the lives you’ve touched have viewed you as their own.You hear children accidentally call you “mom” and I know you long to hear that title be true. Another day, someone asks when you’re going to become a mom or tells you to “get busy” and you wish it were only that simple.Raising children truly takes a village and other moms are better because of you.This doesn’t take away the ache for your own child, though. This doesn’t take away the grief of what could’ve been. Watching other children age and wishing your baby was aging with them.It’s okay to feel pain when the world celebrates something you’ve tried to become but it’s been withheld from you.It’s completely normal to feel joy for your sisters in Christ while aching for yourself. I know you’re excited for them, and I know you hurt for yourself. It’s not an either/or, but a both/and.I won’t pretend to know the answer of why you have not been given a child. I won’t act like it’s painless. Because the truth is – when you do all that you can do and you know God is capable of anything, there is often a gaping hole wondering “why not me?” Photo by: Boris Pavlikovsky All I can say is you’re not alone.All I can tell you is your pain is valid.You’ve been a mother to many, yet nobody at the same time and that’s a confusing place to be.But your worth is not defined by this – you are God’s masterpiece. (Eph. 2:10)He has not forgotten you. He is not punishing you. He is so in love with you.He has a plan for you, too. Even when you can’t see it or understand it.Don’t give up.Please keep showing up.Keep showing up for your nieces and nephews, your friends’ kids, your church kids, and every other child in your life.Keep showing up for your sisters, your brothers, your friends with babies, and your friends without.This world needs you. They need your love, they need your wisdom, they need your joy, and they need your perspective.You are valuable. You are a blessing. You are not invisible. You are a gift from God – fearfully and wonderfully made, even in your waiting (Psalm 139:14). Father, I pray that you would touch the hearts of every person reading this. Give hope to the woman who is in her season of waiting. Comfort her heart when it aches. Show her she is valued and not forgotten. Give her people to pour into and places to utilize her gifts. Grant us all compassion and understanding to support our friends struggling with infertility. I know your plans for us are good even when we can’t see it. Thank you for loving us so well. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. Written by:Candace James Please leave this field empty Never Miss a Post! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Faith