Monday, November 24, 2008

Early Thanksgiving

My friend Rebekah and her husband were told that because of their PCOS and MFI, they would never have their own children without medical intervention.

I've always struggled with this. Of all the people to be given this burden, why her? I've never really questioned my own battle with infertility, but I have always questioned hers. She is one of the most faithful, spiritual women I've ever known. She was a fellow church member and our family babysitter, possessing a talent and gift for working with children that I will always envy. She was always a natural born mother, yet unable to produce her own children to love and nourish. I know that questioning God is never a good idea, but I often wondered why He chose her to fight this battle.

Seven years and two adopted children later, Rebekah is now miraculously, wonderfully, thankfully...pregnant.

Rebekah has been one of my most faithful inspirations during my battle with infertility, always there to offer up support, prayers, and encouragement. A constant reminder that God has a plan for us bigger than we could ever imagine, and He'll always carry us through the mentally and physically painful battle of infertility. This is a miracle, but it's no accident. God heard her prayers all these years, and because of her faithfulness, strength in Him, and His plan for her life, granted her this blessing that only He could provide. We serve an amazing, powerful, merciful God, and Rebekah's life-and this baby-are both testaments of what our God can do.

I don't have all the answers, and it's not my place to assume, but I now have my own theory as to why she'd been given this struggle. First of all she's strong, and God only gives us what we can handle. Because of this, she's been tried and tested, gaining life experience that she was then able to share with me. Second of all, without infertility her two precious adopted babies Ben and Hannah wouldn't be with her. And lastly, Rebekah, because of your struggle, mine has been made easier. Because of your victory, I've been given more hope than you'll ever know.

You-and this baby-are my early Thanksgiving.

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
-Oprah Winfrey

5 comments:

Jennifer said...

Oh my goodness, that is amazing! I'm so happy for Rebekah and her family! What an incredible miracle!!

Hoping for our own Peanut said...

what an amazing story. i know someone that had a similar one. she tried for years and was told she could never get pregnant. she started the adoption process and find out she was pregnant the same day she got her baby girl from china's picture in the mail. now they are a perfect little family.

stories like this just melt my heart<3

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this Tabitha!! I am still a little in shock, but this little sprout is so special and means so much to so many already!!! But to clear something up...it was not my strength at all. It was when I was weak that HE was strong!! I could never imagine this!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ME!!! I sure love ya and remember even if it is hard at times, the Lord's timing is SOOOO great!!! Thanks again!!! And keep your spirits up. ISN'T GOD GOOD!!

Mrs. Hammer said...

Thank you for this post. I really needed the encouragement that it brought me. As I sit here trying to absorb another failed month and feeling hopeless again I needed to be reminded that God does hear our prayers. And that He has a perfect plan for us. Thank you for sharing your friends story!

Elaine said...

This pose was so encouraging to me as I am praying for God to allow conception to happen naturally before the end of the year! He is able - if He wills. Thank you for sharing Rebekah's story.