Browsing Tag

childlessness

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The Mothering Sunday Conundrum

By On 9 March 2022

Dear Church, I love you. I want to say that right from the start. If I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t bother writing about this. I would be content to let the day pass and the pain, mixed messages, discomfort that so many of your sisters and brothers feel about this day could be overlooked. But, I love you and I…

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Scars

By On 17 March 2020

The scars on the outside of my body, the scars on the inside of my body, the scars on my soul will always be there. And I am grateful for the story they tell.

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When do you draw the line and stop trying to have kids?

By On 4 March 2020

LTLU: ‘Living The Life Unexpected’ – Blog Tour Within every story of childlessness there is a line; a moment when you realise you need to do something with the hope you’ve been putting on hold for so many years. Hope is a funny thing because we’re all meant to have it, but as it says in Proverbs 13:12 ‘Hope deferred…

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Is my life worth less because I’m not a parent?

By On 17 September 2018

I’ve just realised that I’m scared. For a few weeks, probably months if I’m honest, I’ve held on to this unsettled feeling, I’ve dreaded dates in the diary and what the future might hold and unfortunately for Dave, I’ve been a bit fragile. Basically, I can go from happy to crying very quickly, which I think still scares and confuses…

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A painful ending and a new beginning

By On 6 September 2018

Re-imagining what life looks like when confronted by childlessness and infertility is a common theme throughout Saltwater and Honey. We are so grateful to guest blogger Sue who is sharing her personal story below. A few weeks ago, I had a full hysterectomy – everything out – tubes, ovaries and womb.  Nothing that unusual in this, it is an operation…

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What happened when I stopped asking

By On 11 March 2018

Spoiler alert!! So today on national television I will tell St Pam Rhodes that I cannot pray for a child for myself. My Songs of Praise interview actually happened a few weeks ago and as soon as those words fell from my lips I felt both pride and shame in equal measure as I sought to explain the complexity of…

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Christmas Survival Guide for the Childless

By On 21 December 2017

The lights on the Christmas tree are twinkling in the corner of the room, the smell of the biggest roast dinner you will eat this year is floating under your nose and filling the house. You’re holding your first glass of wine for the day and moving towards one of those tiny tables designed specifically for remote controls and small…

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Encountering Secondary Infertility

By On 12 December 2017

I’m writing this from my single room in a retreat house in the heart of Essex. I’ve just had dinner with a nun, a Rector and a saintly old lady from Suffolk. I am a fish out of water. Going on retreat has been a longing of mine for a while. I’m here for 24 hours after blackmailing Elis into…

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A Letter to the Churches

By On 4 November 2017

I, Lizzie, a disciple of Jesus, called by God to preach good news to the spiritual misfit, the one who wrestles with God and the one who can’t stop the tears from falling. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank God for each one of you, for your faithfulness as you…