The Nest: A Place for Those Struggling with Infertility

/ March 17, 2015

Hey there sweet sister,

Can I share my heart with you today? Will it be okay if I tell you my story? And how I have these wings…these wings that are broken? They weren’t always this way. They didn’t use to always have these scares or blemishes. But after years of my heart aching for a child who would have my blue eyes and my husband‘s pudgy nose, they have become limp. They have become bruised. They have become torn from the failed treatment cycles my doctor assured me were the answer to my prayers. And they became so broken after my devastating miscarriage that at one point, I thought I would never fly again.

My crushed wings have also come from well-meaning people who have asked me in conversation why I don’t have children. Or the ones who have suggested that my in ability to conceive is a product of my past sin. Or because I just need to relax. And my bruised wings have come from feeling like an outcast, a leper. Isolated and different from my friends and family who have children. My scarred wings are also the result of my own fault of comparing my life with hers. And her well-working body with mine.

Yet even with my torn, bruised, scarred and snapped in two broken wings, I still manage to fly. And despite the hurt, I am still able to carry hope. Carry love. Carry forgiveness—for myself and others. I can still somehow carry joy. Carry peace. Carry grace. Carry my story. And carry my dreams….

But how? How can I with these wings? It’s all because I have women in my life; women who have their own broken wings from their own journeys to motherhood. And it’s because of their brokenness, they also know how and where I hurt. They know if you bend my wing one way, I will plummet to the ground. Or if you touch it this way, I might never get out of my nest. And so they help me…

They help me carry my shame. My guilt. My grief. My embarrassment. My loneliness. My heartache. My desperation. They help carry my burdens that weigh me down…And they do it so that I don’t have to flap my wings as hard to stay above my circumstances. Or remain stuck inside my nest, unable to fly.

I am forever grateful for these women. I am grateful for their encouragement. And for their constant prayers and support. I am thankful that because of their broken wings and their willingness to share their stories, I am able to fly a little bit higher. And soar a little bit longer. Because friend, there is something about owning your story and sharing it with others that brings healing to not just yourself but to others. And how sharing your story also helps those in similar situations not feel so alone or isolated and different. In fact, I love the scripture Galatians 6:2 which tells us that we are to carry each other’s burdens and stand shoulder to shoulder to ease the load that we might be carrying around so that we can be empowered to keep flying. To keep hoping. And to keep carrying your dreams. The dreams that God has planted inside that soft, fertile soil of our hearts.

Which is why I am sharing with you my heart today. And why I am inviting you to “The Nest.”

But you may be asking…What is “The Nest?” Well, myself and four other ah-may-zing ladies who have their own infertility stories, their own daily struggles, and their own message of hope, came together one evening and decided to create a place that provides women struggling with infertility a safe environment to find refuge as they tell their story and find hope.

It’s a place that provides peace and restoration.

A place that encourages.

A place that believes in the power of prayer.

A place where you can take a deep breath, relax, let your guard down, and be yourself as you disconnect with the world while you reconnect with Christ and other women who know how you feel.

A place where we can strengthen our faith through the Bible by learning scriptures related to our circumstances.

A place of retreat.

A place of healing for the grief of infertility and sorrow from loss through prayer.

A place where we hear from other women who have gone before us and have a message of hope.

A place where if we need to let out a good ugly cry, we can. And with no judgment.

A place that after we leave, we feel re-energized to fulfill our dreams and live out the fullness of our life, and be empowered to defeat the enemy of infertility…kind of like that feeling you had on the last day of church camp when you were a kid.

A place to find fun, laughter and joy. So if that means breaking out a game of Catch Phrase, Taboo, or Pictionary, then we will. And sister, we will play them while eating chocolate and crying or talking about whatever it is weighing us down or breaking our wings. Even if that thing making us all puffy eyed is the fact that our period just started… again.

And it’s a place for everyone. It is for the woman who is in the trenches of infertility, whether primary or secondary. Or for the woman who has managed to climb out and is on the other side. It is for the woman who is seeking adoption. Or the woman feeling scared and alone as she is in the midst of fertility treatments. It’s for the woman who has experienced the pain and devastation of a miscarriage or the heartache of failed treatment cycles. It is for the woman battling PCOS, endometriosis or any other type of issue. It is for those friends and family members who have loved ones and desire to know more so that they can be of a better support. It is for those with broken wings and hurting hearts. It’s for those who need to share their grief, their pain, their hope, their story, their love…basically, it’s for everyone. Because we are all a part of this sisterhood. And we can all provide hope and prayer and encouragement to one another.

So sister, would you like to join us and share your story? Share your hope, your grief, your pain, your joy, your love, and your heartache? Would you like to come and support, encourage and rally around others who need it? Would you like to come to The Nest? The Nest that carries?

If so, come ready to rally together on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm.  There will be plenty of tea, coffee, soda and unhealthy sweets to eat. So think chocolate, pies, cakes, and more chocolate. And if sweets are not your thing, no biggie, I’ll have a veggie tray available and sandwiches available as well. Maybe a cheeseball or even some fruit.

Oh! And if you who are wondering where “The Nest” will take place, please note that I live in Southern Illinois. So if you think you can make it and are in need of directions, please email me at 10hopeingod@gmail.com or you can also find me on Facebook by clicking here and sending me a private message. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing in this journey together.

We hope to see you there!

Here are the women behind “The Nest”

Me and the Danimal Wedding

Elisha (me)

A few things you should know: She loves Jesus, organizing (she would probably label her label maker if no one would laugh), random topics of conversation, cats, playing board games, and eating bologna sandwiches with BBQ chips smashed in the middle of a ton of mayonnaise. She is also a foster mommy to an adorable four-year old cutie patootie that she often refers to as Goldilocks due to her gorgeous curly locks. Seriously…you should see them!

She and her husband have been married for 8 amazing years and they yearn for their own children; however due to PCOS, they are “challenged” in the fertility department. The doctors have given them a 3% chance of conceiving on their own but they know God is bigger than PCOS or any doctor’s report, and through Jesus, they have a 100% chance of having their own children. She has a passion for encouraging others, sharing Jesus, and bringing hope to seemingly hopeless situations. And she can’t wait to meet you!

misty and tizer Misty

A young, typical and simple girl with a dream who finds her identity in Jesus! She drives a Cobalt, works retail and enjoys drinking a lot of tea, however she is rooted in the truth that Jesus loves her just the way she is, and she is on a mission to make sure that everyone knows that He loves them too! She believes that there is a beautiful and precious story waiting for everyone regardless of who they are and what they have. And she invites everyone to come as YOU are and have hope!

 

round megan Megan

A woman with a sincere heart of gold who loves to speak words of life, hope and encouragement into those who are struggling, feeling weary and losing faith. She is currently facing secondary infertility with multiple miscarriages within the last year; however despite the heartache and the setbacks, she continues to trust in Jesus. She continues to believe. And she continues to have hope. Which is something she is so excited to share with you.  

 

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54 thoughts on “The Nest: A Place for Those Struggling with Infertility”

  2. I wish I lived closer, I would so come to this. I did start an infertility group through my church a year ago. The ladies in my group are amazing. It’s not a group I would have ever wanted to start, but God knew I needed these ladied, and they needed me. I pray “the nest” is blessed.

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  5. One day, my friend, you can bet I’ll be there 🙂 it might take a while to drive from here to there, but I WILL make it.

    E, you make my heart smile. You are such an inspiration to so many – I hope you realize just how special we all think you are.

    With love,

    beanie xo

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  6. How AWESOME this is. I to struggle with Pcos and infertility. My Husband Josh & I have been married since a June 10 2000. With no prevail of getting pregnant. I have tried 5 months of Clomid so far and just not working. We have also came close to adoption twice in the last year but each time something went wrong each time. But God is Able! And His timing is best. I have to keep the faith. You guys keep me encouraged!!!

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    • Amen to God is able and His timing is best! I’m standing and believing with you that SOON your prayers will be answered. I am believing for open wombs, open doors and for all fear, doubt, or worry to flee in Jesus Name! xo

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  7. This is the coolest thing ever!! I wish I could make it! Hopefully next time:)

    I pray that this event is filled with laughter, joy, hope as women encourage one another on this journey…

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  13. thank you for creating this website/support group. I live in Iowa and wouldn’t be able to attend your get togethers 😊 but they sound just wonderful. We are struggling with secondary infertility with 2 miscarriages in the last 1.5yrs and a continued inability to conceive.

    Tears streamed down my face reading your blog! There are so many women out there who need something like this and I’m so glad you listened to the Spirit prompting you and are pursuing this!!

    Thank you for the encouragement tonight and the reminder we are never alone!

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    • Ruthie, I am so sorry to hear of your miscarriages and struggles! I am praying for you right now that your body and heart be healed and restored in Jesus Name. I am praying that the enemy leave and that you are able to go forth, be fruitful and give life without any complications. I am here for you if you need anything! xo

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  15. Oh, Elisha! What a wonderful idea! I just know God is orchestrating this, and He is going to use this in amazing ways! What an appropriate title for it, too! I love it. I live far away, but if my family and I are ever in that area during the time you are having a gathering, I would love to come and tell you what Jesus did for us. I would love to give big hugs and pray with you all and just praise Him together for the miracles He has yet to do for each one of you. 🙂 Who knows? He may work it out one day. If not, I am always mentioning you in my prayers and trusting Him to give you the desires of your dear heart. Way to go, girl! I am so proud of you for taking this new adventure and can’t wait to hear stories about the amazing things God is doing for all of you through it!

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    • Awe thanks for having such optimism 🙂 I sure do hope it will be awesome for all of the ladies too! But I know that if God is in it, then it has to be, right? So let’s pray He is in it 🙂 teheh

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    • That would be awesome!!! I have two spare rooms and a bathroom all upstairs. We never go up there so you could stay the night and have it all to yourself :). But I must warn you, I am not a morning person like you 😉

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  22. I am also grateful you have these women in your life to help. I understand the weight and the broken wings, but, sweets, you really should have no shame or embarrassment. It’s not your fault! I understand loneliness, heartache, desperation, grief, but, seriously don’t feel guilty or ashamed. You are beautiful and a wonderful person!
    xxx

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    • Awe thank you! You are so sweet and totally put a smile on my face! I guess the shame and embarrassment comes from the enemy….often times I get embarrassed for celebrating Josiah Day or I feel shame from it all. It’s all silly and just lies.

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  25. Pingback: Male Infertility – One Man’s Tale of Stress, Sex, and Stigma | Waiting for Baby Bird

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