Frist, let me give just a little bit of background. (Just as a refresher) So Elisabeth and Zacharias were both old and had never been able to have children even though the WANTED them. Zacharias was a high priest who worked in the temple and was in charge of burning the incense. One day in the temple the Angel Gabriel came to Zacharias and told him that his wife would bear a son. Zacharias was in complete shock and disbelief (understandably) and as a result was struck dumb. There's the background.
Here's is how I relate to Elisabeth and am inspired by her story:
1.) When Elisabeth found out she was pregnant she said, "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men." (Luke 1:25)
~ To me this scripture says several things. First, that Elisabeth was flattered the Lord chose her to have a child in general, especially after so long of being barren. The second is that by becoming pregnant she no longer felt like an outsider in a fertile world. I often feel like an outsider in a fertile community that is having babies, raising children, and establishing families. I really relate to Elisabeth in this instance because I know that when I do become pregnant someday that "my reproach among men" will also be taken away. I also know that I will feel INCREDIBLY blessed to be so trusted by the Lord to bear and rear His children.
2.) When Gabriel is first telling Zacharias that he is going to be a father he said, "And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth." (Luke 1:14)
~ When I read this it gave me so much hope! It is my belief that once Elisabeth gave birth, and even before when she simply TOLD others she was pregnant, that the people rejoiced for a couple of reasons. I think they rejoiced in John because of who he was, the man he became, and the things he accomplished for men's salvation. I also think they rejoiced for and with Elsabeth for the simple fact that SHE HAD A BABY!!!!! I think that when people know of someone struggling with infertility, they geniuinly want that person to have their happy beginning to a new journey and have a baby. I really and truly believe that. So, I think that people were happy for her because the Lord and FINALLY seen fit to bless Elisabeth and Zacharias with what they had so long hoped for! I feel that when my time comes there will be many who rejoice with me. When I was pregnant the first time, there were many who rejoiced with me, and many who mourned with me when I miscarried. Often I have felt alone in this journey, but it is just occurring to me that I haven't been. Of course my Savior has always been with me, but so have my friends and family. Those that I thought could never truly understand the heartache of inferility have been right there with me. No they may not know what its like to be infertile, but they don't have to. All they have to know is that I am hurting and they are my friend. So many people have known just that and been my support. They have laughed with me, cried with me, been frustrated with me, listened to me rant and rave, watched me try to be strong, and to fall apart. They are my friends and I am truly grateful for them.
The Lord has blessed me in so many ways and continues to pour out His blessings upon my husband and I. He has not left me alone. He has left me friends, family, and the Holy Ghost. I am in no way shape or form alone. And I am in no way shape or form giving up hope. I will have a family someday and will hear the pitter-patter of little feet because the Lord loves ME just as He loves Elisabeth.
3 comments:
You must have taken Elisabeth's class in the pre-existance too! I'm pretty sure Sarah and Rachel and Rebekah and Hannah all taught a class to those of us who will have to endure the same challenge they did - waiting for children. What an honor it must have been to sit in their presence. Sounds like you took some good notes and paid attention in class!:)
My two babies finally came but I will always remember what it felt like to be part of the waiting club. Those waiting years have become almost sacred to me as it was a time in which the Lord was very close to me and taught me tremendous lessons.
You are so on the right track to taking this incredible challenge and somehow making something beautiful out of it. We named our sweet Elizabeth after Elisabeth in the bible because her name means "Oath of God" or in other words, "God keeps His Promises" and that He does, in His own way and in His own time but He does and He will. I still keep you in my prayers. :)
What a beautiful post Bri. Your day WILL come, and when it does, you will be the best mom ever! :) Love ya girlie!
I'm just a bit behind in the blogging world. You have an amazing testimony and a wonderful spirit. Your day will come. And when that day comes, we will all rejoice with you! Love ya.
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