So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!- Psalm 31:24 (NLT)
My life is a little like the TV show “Friday Night Lights” in that my husband is head coach of a high school varsity football team. We only watched a few episodes of the show on Netflix before we had to stop watching because it all just hit a little too close to home!
Last night was the sixth football game of the season. I usually sit in the stands with my parents or friends that come to support my hubby. But my parents couldn’t make it to the game, and the friends that came told my husband they were going to bring along some of their friends. One of the women is six months pregnant.
Even on the best night, football games make me extremely anxious. The outcome of the game greatly influences my husband’s mood for the coming week. I don’t like crowds and loud noises, but football games, by nature, are crowded and noisy! Throw in a lack of parking, freezing weather, and people screaming at my husband- I’m a nervous wreck!
So when I found out I was supposed to sit with a pregnant woman, I envisioned fighting back tears the entire game, trying not to look at her swollen belly. I decided I couldn’t add another stressor to the evening. I let fear get the best of me, and I asked my husband to text our friends to let them know I wouldn’t be able to sit with them.
Luckily, our friends are gracious and understanding, but now I’m embarrassed by my lack of courage. I’m so afraid of making a scene or feeling sad that I miss out on opportunities to connect with people.
I’ve been avoiding pregnant women for nearly three years now. While it’s a healthy form of self-care for me to opt-out of baby-centered events like showers or dedications, I’m realizing that I need to be braver when it comes to interacting with pregnant women at other types of events.
I need to pray for courage. Do you, too?
Maybe you’re afraid to make that first appointment with the fertility specialist.
Maybe you feel led to share your story with someone, but haven’t yet had the courage.
Maybe you know deep down that it’s time to stop treatment, but you’re scared to face the feelings that will bring.
Joshua 1:9 tells us to be strong and courageous because God will be with us no matter what. And Psalm 34:4 seems to suggest that praying is one way to alleviate fear.
As you pray today, ask God to give you courage when your infertility causes you fear. Ask Him to help you remember that is He always with you.
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