What NOT To Say
“Never do it, Linda. This sucks!”
Reference: For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” (Galatians 4:27 NIV)
Explore: A close friend of mine excitedly told me she was going to have a baby. She had always said that she didn’t want to have her own children. But when she found herself in her 30s, with a wonderful man by her side, her desires changed.
She knew the infertility journey I had travelled, but I was glad she told me and was really happy for her. What I was surprised about was when she struggled with the trials of pregnancy she would say, “Never do it, Linda. This sucks!”
To me, it was like saying to a starving child, “Don’t eat bread, it will make you feel bloated!”
There is no doubt there are some difficult times during pregnancy, but they don’t overshadow the desire to conceive.
Application: Even in the Bible it makes reference to some people living in such a way that it would be better if they were not born. But that is to show of their great plight, more than God rejoicing in someone’s misfortune.
It is important to be open and honest with others, particularly our friends, but let’s be mindful of what we say. Let us not allow our own pain to overshadow someone else’s feelings.
Prayer: Lord, we are blessed to have freedom and purpose in You. May we live in such a way that the world is blessed to have us in it. Amen.
What is it that you want to achieve with your life?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.