National Infertility Awareness Week

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW). The NIAW movement began in 1989. The goal is to raise awareness and help the public understand more about infertility and reproductive health.

The statistics say that 1 in 8 couples go through infertility.  This year the National Infertility organization, Resolve, chose the theme of ‘You Are Not Alone‘ which seems very fitting considering how common infertility is. When I heard the theme, immediately, the song “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe came to my mind. The truth is that none of us are ever alone and just like the song says, God always goes before us, is with us, and never leaves us.

My hope during this week is that someone who is suffering alone will share their story. Whether it’s with me, a friend, a co-worker, pastor, a doctor… that they would come out and ‘do’ life with someone else. I think about how Jesus did life with 12 disciples and what a perfect example He makes for us to follow. While you don’t have to share your struggle with the world, which is what I have done through this blog, I do think it’s important to find a group of close friends who can support you with love and prayer on this journey.

If you haven’t shared your story yet, I hope you do. I hope this post also speaks to the people who haven’t gone through infertility. While I believe no one can fully understand a situation until they have been through it, I hope those who haven’t gone through it realize how hard it is to struggle with something that you want more than anything, yet seems so natural and easy for others.

While I wish I wasn’t part of the 13% who struggles with infertility, I am SO grateful for this journey the Lord has taken me on. I have learned so much and have met so many amazing women along the way. Because of the blog and instagram community, I have made some very deep friendships. In addition, I met my airport angel which led us to finding a new church. The list goes on and on, but I see the Lord’s hand prints all over the past 3 years of waiting. While we are more than ready for it to be over, I’m grateful to share our story and bring awareness in hopes of encouraging others and reminding every couple who struggles that they are not alone.

No matter what you are facing today, whether it’s infertility, singleness, divorce, loss, etc, remember you are NEVER alone!