That Question

It's a completely innocent question, usually from strangers. But nowadays...it constantly reopens healing wounds.

Mini Photographer in training
at commencement

"How many kids do you have?" "Is he your only one?"

I didn't even get a reprieve from being asked that during my miscarriage.

He was completely ignorant of the circumstances, how could he be anything but? A college student waiting to play with the band for the commencement ceremony at my sister's college graduation, he was simply enjoying watching my son's antics in the family viewing room. We knew we'd already lost the baby and the next day would confirm that fact. But that day, his question hit me right in the gut.

"Is he your only one?"

I had to make that split second decision. This young man didn't know my struggle and he didn't need to be burdened with it either. "For now" was what I left it at as I teared up. It was hard to say that and feel almost as if I was denying my baby's very existence, but it was all I had to give to a stranger who knew nothing of what was going on in my heart.

I know that my answer will not always be the same. There are those who have walked this road before me and will welcome my acknowledgement of the child I never held.There are those who walked this road with me that will welcome the chance to acknowledge their own losses. But there are also times where grace and compassion for others needs to be foremost in my heart and mind.

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always." (derived from a quote by Ian Maclaren)

He wasn't unkind, I was simply fighting a battle he was unaware of. Everyone around you is. Be kind.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Meghan

Book Review: Hope Unfolding

Last year in my MOPS group, I met a new friend who had moved here from Colorado. She posted about this book that a blogger she loved had written. Then I found it was available for me to review through one of my programs so based on her glowing remarks about it, I immediately selected it to review. I'm really glad I made that choice.

"Hope Unfolding" by Becky Thompson, the blogger behind "Scissortail Silk", is a wonderful opportunity for moms of young children to have their hearts ministered to and be offered hope by a fellow mom alongside them in the trenches of motherhood. Each chapter is a chance for moms to receive another truth about God and hope in the midst of our mess, chaos, and hard moments.

Many of these chapters spoke directly to where I was at that very moment in life. For example, in Chapter 3 "A Fight for Joy", Becky discusses her first pregnancy, one that ended in miscarriage. We already knew at the time I read that chapter that we had lost our precious baby and 2 days later I would experience my own miscarriage. I cried reading that chapter but it was healing and hopeful. She talks about finding hope "after" and remembering to look for the familiar places in our lives where we know God has been, asking him to show us where he is even in the tough moments.

Each chapter contained moments like this where I could recall times in my life that needed the type of hope Becky was bringing to mind. If these moments hadn't immediately sprung to mind, there were sections at the end of each chapter for reflection and prompts on connecting with the Source of all hope. Her own story is woven seamlessly through the book, unafraid of serving as the example where needed.

Becky has a new book coming out in January titled "Love Unending: Rediscovering your Marriage in the Midst of Motherhood". It's already on my wish list and I can't wait to read that book as well! I really enjoyed how much this book ministered to me and can't wait to see what she has in store for "Love Unending"!

Overall Rating: 5 of 5 stars! :D

Soli Deo Gloria,
Meghan

I received this book for free from The Crown Publishing Group for this review.