Hannah's Hope

Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss






http://www.amazon.com/Hannahs-Hope-Infertility-Miscarriage-Adoption/dp/1576836541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267804395&sr=8-1#noop



From the Back Cover
Hannah's heart beat with a mother's love long before she was blessed with a child. Through the years of waiting and longing, her gentle heart was nearly crushed under the weight of grief. You can meet Hannah in the pages of 1 Samuel, chapters 1 and 2. The Bible says she was "barren," and we know she suffered heartache, anguish, and grief because of her empty arms. Perhaps you do too. Hannah's Hope is for all who long for a child yet to be conceived, grieve for a baby too soon passed from the womb, or have lived through the no-man's-land of failed adoption. It is intended as a guide to assist you in making wise decisions as you struggle through your grief. And by the end of the journey, God may surprise you by the ways He uses to answer your heart's cry. Compassionately written by a woman who knows well these painful struggles, Hannah's Hope will direct you to the Source of strength, whose name is "the God of all comfort."


I read this book back in January and feel that God lead me to it when He did for a reason. It was wonderful and honestly truly helped me as I faced the fact that Jason and I were really facing infertility issues and not just ‘having to give it more time’… This book is wonderful for anyone going through infertility, miscarriages or failed adoptions or for anyone who knows someone who is or will someday. So that basically means I think everyone should read it. It really gives you insight to what people face and the emotional struggles associated with these types of journeys. It allows those not going through one of these journeys insight into how hurtful words or events can be even if good is meant from them.

This book is a great godly perspective you don’t find too many places. It is vital to see God in every aspect of your life; even the hard ones like infertility, loss and death. I know God has a purpose throughout all of this and I want glory to be given to Him no matter what path He leads us down.

I spent a lot of time facing our infertility and talking through it with Jason in the very beginning. While painful, this has really helped me see clearer and understand all sides. No one prepares to have to go through something like this, so when you are facing it, it is wise I think to prepare yourself for what you will go through. Now when people say very insensitive statements or painful events or topics come up, I can look on them with grace and give my feelings to God to heal. I know few mean harm by what they say or do, but it is wise to pay attention to what others might be going through before you speak.

One thing I have learned is never ask someone if they are married or have children. Often you are making them discuss the fact that they do not have something their heart longs for. Instead say something like; ‘tell me about yourself’… I’ve had people ask if I have kids and then say, ‘well, I hope you have them’ and walk off. I’ve had people tell me to ‘just relax’… Let me tell you… no relaxation or vacations can cure infertility… seriously, learn the science please… I’ve had people tell me, ‘you’re still young, don’t worry about it.’ Seriously, it doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 40, if you’ve been trying for 1 month or 20 years… the pain is just as real and never goes away. The list goes on and on.

My recommendation is for us to try to realize where others are coming from in their life before we begin to poke and prod into their lives and potentially cause some pain. My prayer is that we seek God in all aspects of our life and lean not on our own understandings. I pray we all learn to seek God's guidance, listen for Him, follow Him, trust in Him, praise Him and that He be glorified!