More Paperwork

When our daughter Joanna was 2 years old, we hoped to become pregnant again. After several unsuccessful months, our doctor had no clear answer for not being pregnant. Jerome and I discussed and prayed over our options for growing a family. We knew several friends who had successfully adopted children internationally, so we decided to go that route.

In 2006, we began the long road to China. We still haven’t been there. We’ve done the homestudy, plus all of the yearly updates. We’ve done fingerprinting on the state level and the national level. (Yes, we’ve been inside Homeland Security.) We’ve visited our doctors, written down our parenting philosophy, and paid some money along the way.

This week I received the paperwork for doing our yearly homestudy update. I could fill out the paperwork in my sleep. I could get really frustrated, and sometimes I do. However, I’m not going to give up on this adoption possibility. I am hoping and praying that God allowed Jerome and me to get into this line to bring home a beautiful child to our family. I hope and pray that we are able to fulfill our roles as parents to Joanna properly, as well as care for more children.

It’s easy to become disappointed, frustrated, and depressed while waiting. There seems to be a lot of paperwork done, and we’ve yet to see any sort of progress. I’ve had some really low days, but that is the time when I’ve been on my knees in prayer as well. I know that our Heavenly Father looks out for me, and by His grace, He has blessed me with a faithful spouse and a baptized daughter. I did NOTHING to deserve any of those things. They are all gifts.

And so I continue to fill out the paperwork. I thank the Lord for each day to live in His grace. I pray that the child that He has chosen for us will come soon. In the meantime, I pray for this child as I fill out the adoption papers.

Room for More

Eight years ago Jerome and I were blessed with the birth of our daughter Joanna. What a time of joy that was! We had already waited several years for her to arrive, so we were bursting at the seams with smiles. This was the first grandchild on my side of the family, and I was filled with joy to begin the next generation. We watched our daughter grow and change on a daily basis, as well as nurtured her faith with hymns and prayers. I relished (and still do) being a parent, despite the lows that mixed with the highs.

Fast-forward a couple of years. We were ready to expand our family once again. After several unsuccessful months without conception, we talked with our doctor. He ordered tests and determined nothing out of the ordinary. We used some medications but to no avail. Finally, we were faced with the prospect of IVF or many tests and dollars towards other methods. At the time, this seemed the end of the road. My heart and home were ready for more children!

We went home and prayed. What would the Lord have us do? IVF was not an option for us, and we didn’t want to endure tests and needle-pokes and the like. It didn’t seem that we would conceive naturally. I can still clearly recall my doctor telling me that all of the infertility tests and such would be a thing of the past once my house was full of children. Really? How could he make that claim? Yet I believed him.

There are some things that I KNOW for certain… I am a sinner. I am by no means perfect. My body is not perfect. I know that I believe in the Triune God, who loves me DESPITE all of my imperfections. I know that God has only good planned for me. I know that He grants me only good things. I know that my heart has a great capacity to love, especially to love children.

Yes, my heart has room for more children. I so dearly desire more children in my family. I want the big table with family gathered around for holidays. I want to see my yard full of children playing games together. I want to take family vacations with my children and make memories. I want to have children sit on my lap while I read stories to them. I want more children.

But it hasn’t happened. I have been blessed instead with nieces and nephews to love. I am godparent to eleven beautiful children. I am privileged to teach Sunday School and to direct the children’s choir in my church. I get the opportunity to read stories on a monthly basis to children at our local library. My heart has so much room to love these children. No, they’re not biological or adopted. That doesn’t matter. God has placed these children in my life. My heart has room to love them, and so I do. The Lord has given my heart room for so many children, and so I love them.

My husband and I pray for more children to be part of our immediate family. We pray that God answers our prayer favorably. No matter how He answers, though, I know that I am dearly loved by God. He has made me part of His family, and He loves me dearly.

Words of Comfort?

Question Submitted: I don’t know what to say to my friend who recently miscarried. It seems like what one person finds comforting, another person finds offensive.

I do not have the perfect answer to this question, nor do I know what words will fully comfort every woman who has ever endured such a crisis, but I can offer you a few practical suggestions:

1. Make sure her pastor knows what is going on, so that he can go to her and minister to her.

2. Pray for her.

3. Be there. Share in her loss as faithfully as you would in her joy. If she wants to be alone, respect her privacy and seek her out the next day. And the next. And the next.

4. Listen to her. Acknowledge her miscarriage (barrenness) for exactly what it is – a heinous, horrible reality – and be careful not to try to “explain it away.” Her grief and pain are too present to be put in a box. Let her freely lament, for lamentation has always been a part of the Christian life.

5. Tend to the immediate, physical needs of her family. Do they have food to eat? Do they need daycare? Does anyone need a ride to doctors’ appointments? Etc.

6. If given the opportunity to speak words of comfort to her, remember this: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) Speak the Word of God to her, remind her of God’s promises to her in Jesus, and sing words of hope and comfort. I personally find Psalms 6, 30, 40, 123, 130, and 138 comforting, and my husband often sings the following hymns to me in my grief: LSB 760 “What God Ordains Is Always Good,” LSB 754 “Entrust Your Days and Burdens,” and LSB 756 “Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me.”

(A note of warning: Whenever we are given the opportunity to say something to someone else who is suffering, most of us tend to say the thing that would most comfort ourselves. It is almost as if we can’t help but project our own sense of order onto another person’s chaos – and barrenness and miscarriage are definitely situations of chaos and crisis. I strongly advise you to carefully guard your friend from your own sense of order and let her faith, instead, respond to the Word of God. In other words, carefully guard your friend from yourself.)

7. And, finally, should you say something that angers her in her grief, apologize to her and let it go. Forgive yourself and forgive her, and keep coming back to her, seventy times seven times.

The Righteous Shall Live By Faith

“We don’t see justice, but we know that it is coming.”

That is what Pastor McGuire said to us yesterday in our Wednesday morning Bible class. We have been studying the minor prophets, and yesterday was our turn to read Habakkuk. “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?” Habakkuk complains to the Lord for himself and for the people of Israel who, conquered years before by the Assyrians, are suffering under the hand of their oppressors.

The Lord’s response? “I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation.”

What?! I can just imagine Habakkuk’s self-righteous feelings of injustice at the Lord’s answer to his prayer for deliverance. Really, Lord? That’s your answer? You are going to send the Babylonians to conquer the Assyrians? No doubt, Habakkuk’s idea of true justice would have been for the Lord to raise up the Israelites to conquer their oppressors themselves, not to replace the violent Assyrians with an even more dreaded and fearsome nation.

Habakkuk complains a second time to the Lord. “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?” Preach it, Brother! I confess, I have often felt similar feelings of injustice when unwed mothers and promiscuous teens get pregnant time and time again while my husband and I have still not been able to conceive in our marriage of nine years.

And, then, in one fell swoop, the Lord knocks all of us off our self-justice-seeking soapboxes with His answer to Habakkuk: “The righteous shall live by faith.”

When we read these words in class yesterday morning, I had a hard time fighting back the tears. Those words punched me and hugged me all at the same time. “The righteous (that’s me, a baptized child of God, beloved daughter made right by Christ) shall live by faith.” My response to life – to the injustices, the crosses, the unwed mothers, the failed pregnancies – is faith in God’s justice for me, not in what I think is best. Like Habakkuk and all of Israel suffering under the hand of the Assyrians, I hear the Lord’s words and know that I am to trust in God’s plan, even if it includes some Babylonians.

For, God is trustworthy. We know how it works out for the Israelites. God sends a Messiah, Jesus Christ His own Son, to suffer and die on the cross to save all of us from that greatest of oppressors, Sin. I know, in Christ, that God loves me and deals with me graciously. I get to trust in and be comforted by God’s promises, knowing that He works all things, even an empty womb, for my eternal good. Faith is God’s precious gift to me, and I get to live by it.

Free to Serve

Are there any blessings that come from a life of barrenness? Most certainly. Last week I had the priviledge of experiencing one of them. I was able, by the grace of God, to look at my station in life, to consider my empty womb and my only child and say with St. Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say, Rejoice!” How is this possible? Last week someone needed me.

My flexible schedule, my helpful and increasingly independent 7-year-old and my saintly husband all contributed to me being able to be a blessing to a church family who needed help. Very few people are able to do what I can do because they have full-time jobs, school commitments, little children, or other responsibilities. Currently in my life I am somewhat free, and this freedom has allowed me the opportunity to provide for a family whose father has experienced emergency surgery and whose mother is about to bring another new life into this world. There are no grandmothers to come take over the household, only friends and neighbors who are trying to take the place of that precious role. Yes, it is stressful at times to try and get everything scheduled so that all the needs are met. But oh, what a joy to know that we can be the hands and feet of Christ, caring for His people and loving His little children until both mom and dad are healthy and fully capable of returning to their duties.

Each day that we wake up in the morning, we women who are waiting on the Lord decide how to view this life that has been given to us. Despair, heartache, frustration, longing—these are all emotions that cannot be avoided. They should not, however, be allowed to take over our lives. While we wait for whatever it is that our hearts desire—be it physical healing, pregnancy, adoption, or peace to accept a childless life—we have a calling to be active in our current station, to be content, and, yes, even to rejoice.

Helen Keller once echoed some of St. Paul’s words from Philipians 4:11-12 when she wrote, “Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Darkness and silence have wonders? How strange for us to comprehend. But when you lack the ability to do what others can it makes you acutely aware of those things that others take for granted, and the gifts you still posses become stronger than they normally would be. The gifts that many of us possess right now are time and flexibility. Combined with our now-accute awareness of those who are suffering in some way, these gifts can overflow into huge blessings for those around us.

Dear sisters, forget yourselves for a time in acts of love and service to your neighbors. Look upon their pain and help them carry their burdens. And as you do so, praise God that He can use you for His purpose to serve in roles that few women these days can do. What some see as a curse you can view as a unique opportunity and blessing while you wait. So give thanks, be content, and you’ll find that even through your tears and longing the Lord will help you to “Rejoice!”

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Lutheran Service Book, #783, vss. 1-2

Is It Just Me?

That’s what I wondered when my tears kept flowing. I was ready for another child, and nothing was happening. I had checkups with my doctor, did the tests, ate the right foods, marked the calendar faithfully – and still nothing. I was angry, sorrowful, and confused. I felt alone in my grief. My husband and I wanted another child, but there was none. I felt like crying all the time.

Why isn’t my husband crying, too? Is it just me? Doesn’t he care? The obvious answer was yes, but I was so overwhelmed with my own emotions that i didn’t see it. He was grieving as well. Yet I was angry that he wasn’t displaying more emotion over the situation.

Finally, my tears dried enough to tell him that I was sad, angry, confused, bitter. Praise God for a husband who cares! As I shared my myriad of emotions, he listened patiently and held me. It was then that I remembered that I do not walk this road alone. He shared his concerns and fears and sorrows, too. We cried together.

And then – we prayed. We took our concerns to the Lord. He already knew our needs and sorrows, and yet we told Him anyway. We prayed for peace, that God would grant us another baby while we waited. We prayed for other couples who were struggling with infertility. We thanked the Lord for the child we already had. We prayed that the Lord’s will would be done, and that we might know and do His will.

Is it just me? No, never. Jesus Christ knows my sorrows, and He will always be there right beside me.

Your Pastor, Your Shepherd

Question Submitted: Is there a point at which women visiting this site will be directed back to their pastors?

Run, don’t walk! Run to your church, now! God has good gifts to give you in His Word and in His Supper, and He means for you to receive those good gifts from your pastor.

“In this life, God has called and ordained men to be pastors to stand before us in the stead of Christ. Please, go to your shepherd and let him take care of you. Confess to him your thoughts, your sufferings, your burdens, and your sins. Let him minister to you, speak God’s Word to you, absolve you, and pray for you. He is there to help shoulder your burdens, and he wants to do just that.

In the inevitable circumstance that your pastor disappoints you, please forgive him. Pray for him. Be patient with him. Listen to him. Speak to him in kindness and love. He is, after all, another man for whom Christ died, and he will learn from you what it is like to be a barren woman.” (He Remembers the Barren, Lutheran Legacy, 2011)

If this site ever ceases to be a giant arrow pointing you straight to your congregation and pastor, then abandon it at once. In the meantime, please pray for the hosts of this site that they might fulfill their vocations to love, serve, pray for, and share in the burden of their sisters in Christ who live life under the cross of barrenness.

God Gives Babies Faith

The following poem, originally written for children, articulates how we receive faith. Also, it hopes to answer questions that parents who’ve lost their little ones might be pondering. For my barren sisters, you are an integral means by which God uses to bring the faith to the Church. Scripture highlights and supports each stanza, and the explanation at the end attempts to fill in any gaps. By God’s grace, may this poem edify and encourage us in the comfort of the Gospel. – Melissa DeGroot

Before the world was made,

God had us all in mind.

Even before we strayed

A union was designed.

“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love.” Ephesians 1:4

Some think faith is hard

to have at certain stages

But God tells us the truth

Jesus ignores ages.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:15-16

As babies grow in wombs,

Miracles have begun.

Our Father creates life,

So we might know His Son.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

All babies (and we) need Jesus,

Since sin has entered all.

Though babes look cute and sweet.

We’re all part of the Fall.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:23-24

Good news! There’s forgiveness

Even when in the womb.

So as God’s Word is spoken

There’s rescue from sin’s gloom!

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139: 14

And babies can have faith,

when they are very small.

They need not yet be born,

Or to be very tall!

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 1:41

Since babies need protection,

God makes his presence known.

His angels always guarding.

They’re never left alone.

“Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10

God also gives them parents,

To bring them to the Word

So when they are at home or Church,

The voice of God is heard!

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

God also teaches parents

“Bring children to the font.”

So they may be baptized.

More gifts, who doesn’t want?

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[1] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matt. 28:20

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16

“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” Galatians 3:26-27

His gifts are never ending

In the world and Church

Just because they’re babies

God won’t leave them in the lurch.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” Psalm 139: 1-2

How little ones believe?

What a miracle, too!

The Holy Spirit brings them Peace

To know the cross is true!

“At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” Matthew 11:25

As you can see, babies are

quite precious in God’s eyes.

They need not know how to speak,

He loves them in their cries.

“but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

God seeks the babies out,

This is just what He does.

He creates faith in them

And loves them, just because.

“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:5-6

For Parents/Caregivers-Faithful Christians

God is certainly at work in, with and under children, even before they are brought to the baptismal font. When a baby is conceived, we recognize that God the Father is the Creator of this life. The blessing and power of God’s Word is that He shapes the faith in all of us, no matter how old we are.

God’s Word does instruct us to be baptized, no matter what age, in order that we may point to yet another gift and promise that our loving God provides…namely the certainty of Christ clothing us in His righteousness unto eternity. But it is not necessary for faith-for those who may worry about the faith of children in miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. As Christians, we look to God’s promises in these instances, namely that His Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) and His angels are guiding and directing all little ones to receive faith in Jesus (Matt. 18:10). While baptism gives us the certainty of eternal life, Christian parents can always declare the hope of the resurrection for children who die before them if baptism is not present. This is always our comfort; in what God does in and through His Word, not what we or our babies do.

We understand some parents may not be Christian. Also, some children may just have one parent, or none at all. God is certainly watching over all of these things. Parents are a gift and we pray children are given intimate and faithful instruction in God’s Word by them. However, faith in Christ can and does certainly come apart from parents through other means; pastors, guardians, teachers, friends…Whomever God sees fit to use for the sake of the Gospel in these young lives. My barren sisters, this means you. You are an integral means called by God to love and cherish the Church, for mutual comfort and support in Christ.

May this story be a comfort to all who question how faith comes to us and little ones. God Himself, by Himself and His means, makes Christians of people. He is faithfully after the helpless, lost, weak and suffering. This, of course, includes everyone… and especially babies.

Praise and thanks be to God!

Thank You, Church

I received all kinds of gifts yesterday:

a card from my mother,
multiple texts and emails from my sisters and friends to remind me that I am important in the lives of their children,
precious concern from a goddaughter that I might not have enough love and attention left for her if I ever have any children of my own,
hugs and kisses from church members,
and tulips, a bike ride around White Rock Lake, a trip to Central Market, a game of Trivial Pursuit, and sushi from my husband.

One gift in particular, though – a Facebook message from a brother in Christ living in Virginia – brought me a comfort and peace that surpassed all understanding: “In our prayer of the church today, we included those women who are barren and cannot have children. I whispered your name during that petition.”

Those words still move me this morning. On Mother’s Day of all days, that secular holiday which perpetually tempts me to live the life of a hermit, someone remembered and prayed for me, Katie Schuermann, mother of none. More than that, the whole, entire Church remembered and prayed for me. I am not forgotten. The Church knows my cross and bears it with me before the altar of our Lord Jesus. What a gift!

Thank you, Ed. Thank you, Church.