I don’t have a recipe, a craft or any DIYs to share today. I have to be honest, the past month has been a rough one. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. I’m just tired, overwhelmed, exhausted and feeling a little burned out. I rarely share a lot on the personal side of life, but when I do, I like to encourage readers who might be at a similar place in their own lives. This is real life.
If any of you have been around long enough, you know that we have traveled the journey of infertility*. It’s a painful journey and one that is proving to have a sad ending (more on that at a later time). I continue to trust the Lord and pray that His perfect will be done. Back to School is always a hard season for me — I shared a little bit from my heart in 2013. Anywho, between endometriosis, impingement syndrome in my right shoulder and recently being diagnosed with an under-active thyroid — I am tired and desperate to feel better soon.
Ironically my mom sent this scripture to me via text yesterday, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 Amen. Through the good and the bad, he is faithful.
I’m not one to just lie down and have a pity party. Have I cried from the pain and exhaustion? You bet! However, I know the Lord will give me strength and in all reality life goes on. Obviously, I’m still working and even starting new adventures. Just this week I started volunteering in the church office where we attend. This will get me out of the house for a few hours each week and I’m excited to give of my time, even if it is in a small way.
With all that’s been going on, I’ve become more aware and appreciative of the support system in my life — without them, I would most likely crumble. I’m thankful for my Lord, he is my refuge and my strength each and every day; however, I need the hugs, cheerleaders and prayers of my family and friends too. I’m grateful for blog besties who “get me” and for those who invest (and believe) in me. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that I can call my mom and dad and ask them to pray and believe with me on any given day. I’m blessed to have a husband who listens to my crazy dreams, nagging requests and yet he embraces me every day with unconditional love. I couldn’t be more thankful to have my twin sister here in St. Louis with me too. Having her around has kept me sane in a city where I often feel so very lost. These people are my clan, my network, my tribe and family! I love this statement:
Call it a Clan. Call it a Network.
Call it a Tribe. Call it a Family.
Whatever you call it, whoever you are,
You need one. -Jane Howard
I need them! And so do you… So, when things just feel overwhelming and the odds just don’t seem to be in your favor — say a silent prayer of thanks for your support system, your friends, family, spouse, pastor, etc.
Friends, if you don’t have one — you NEED one. I’ll say a prayer that those relationships present themselves to you.
I loved this enough to share it as a printable. Hang it somewhere to remind you that you have a clan, a tribe, family standing alongside you during this journey we call life. It’s not always easy, it has it’s ups and downs — but you’re not alone!
*Please Note: All printables and downloads designed by Live Laugh Rowe are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter the file or claim it as your own. This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file.
*Please be thoughtful in your comments and know that we have considered every possible avenue (adoption, foster parenting, etc) and underwent an IVF procedure. These are very personal and difficult decisions to make. I know that when friends, family, readers make a suggestion, you’re all doing it with good intentions, but that’s not what this post is about. It was about sharing from my heart and asking for your prayers — not solutions.
Denise says
Sending you happy thoughts and good wishes! Hope you feel better soon and find joy in your life.
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you, Denise! I promise there is not shortage of joy… although some days the pain does put a damper on it {wink}. HUGS!
Genny says
I never offer unsolicited advice — but I will certainly keep you in my prayers!
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you, Genny! Your prayers are greatly appreciated. HUGS!
Allie says
My daughter-in-law stood up in church ,,,she was still ‘newcomer’ to the family and our church..as she was about to stand up to respond to our pastor’s request of ‘what are you thankful for’..she whispered to her husband (my son) that she wanted to say how thankful she was for her ‘new’ family…her husband was teasing in gest to her..”.now don’t be nervous..don’t screw-up'” as the microphone was getting close to her…finally the microphone was in her hands..it was her turn to speak..and she proudly, loudly announced…”I am so thankful for my “Fappy Hamily”…uh no! …I mean ‘I am so thankful for my Fappy Hamily”…she said it again! Of course the whole church laughed….our family laughed …and to this day..it is ‘our’ quote “Our Fappy Hamily” Love her so much …and always know Kelly …God is good…Thank you for reminding me and others to be thankful for our refuge in any storm…”Our Fappy Hamily”
Kelly Rowe says
Oh, Allie!! Thank you so much for sharing this… I laughed so hard!! I can relate to your daughter-in-law. When I was in high school, my sister and I would do special services in churches with music and testimony. One Sunday, I got up there and my mouth was sooo dry (from nerves, I presume) that I said, “It’s a weal pwivelege to be here today.” Oh my goodness gracious… I had to follow suit with an Elmer Fudd joke. The entire church laughed, but I was still so incredibly embarrassed. Don’t you just love how these moments stick with us, providing us with years of laughter. HUGS to you, friend. Hug that Fappy Hamily of yours!
Kim - Today's Creative Life says
I’ve got an extra big hug waiting for you in October!
Kelly Rowe says
Looking forward to it, Kim! xo
Lisa C says
My heart and prayers are with you … and your husband! I’ve been there and can empathize with you. It is sometimes hard to embrace God’s plan! Take care and God bless.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lisa! Hugs.
Kerry says
Prayers, kelly!! I love when people share from the heart. You’re a blessing beyond what you can know. xo
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you, Kerry! I feel it’s essential to share ‘real life’ from the heart and I’m hopeful that it is blessing others. God bless!
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
I’m so sorry that you are struggling, friend. I know when my body doesn’t work right I can feel very off and it effects everything around me. Thankfully I have a wonderful support system, too. And I want you to know that every time I share something about my kids I think of my friends who live with infertility. There are quite a few of you out there, which makes my heart so sad. I have been there. When every birth announcement and bulging belly brought tears to my eyes. And while I did get two miracles I so desperately prayed for, I still remember the emotional and physical pain of walking that road. I do pray specifically for my friends who are in the thick of that battle, including you. For comfort and a miracle! Hugs!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you so much, Laura!! It’s refreshing to hear that you hold your friends facing infertility close to your heart, as they are often forgotten about. Squeeze those little miracles a little harder today. HUGS!
Lauren says
I’m praying for you, Kelly. I’m so sorry to hear so much is going on in your life right now. I wish I could reach through the computer screen and give you a big bear hug right now. I’m here for you, friend. Your heartfelt words I’m sure are touching the lives of so many who need to hear them. We don’t always know God’s will, but He’s always in control and always fulfills his promises. Hugs!
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers! How about a virtual bear hug? That works for me 🙂 HUGS!
TJ says
Hi Kelly – thank you so much for sharing this post with your heart in the “I like to encourage readers who might be at a similar place in their own lives” place because boy, did I need to know that I wasn’t alone in how I am feeling right now!
Hugs – TJ
Kelly Rowe says
Hi TJ! I’m so blessed to hear that God’s timing was perfect and this post encouraged you. Sending virtual hugs your way… have a blessed week! xo
Lin Hyde says
Kelly,
I too walked that difficult journey. I remember crying in the grocery store because there were pregnant happy ladies, not being able to go to church on Mothers Day because I so ached to be a mother, and having a broken heart when a procedure failed or another year passed and we did not get chosen by the adoption agency. I can remember talking to my mom about my sadness and her reply was that she could not believe it would not happen. She had 7 children including 2 sets of twins so she probably couldn’t imagine it but I had to. I struggled long and hard to learn that because I could not see it or because it was not going the way I planned that God was still working. After we had given up all hope we got a call from the adoption agency that they had a baby for us and the next day we brought home our son Matthew (it meant gift of God). Life changed in and instant. I don’t mean to say it will happen in the same way for you but I do want to encourage you that your loving father knows your hurt and holds you in the palm of is hand. I also know there were blessings in that season, when I had eyes to see them, that would not have been there if I had been busy with the family I so longed for. That ache never completely goes away but the lessons I learned in the long time of waiting are always there. I was driving in the car and I heard a song by Wes King for the first time. It was called “Thought You’d Be Here ” and it was the story of his time waiting for a child. I could feel those feelings again in an instant. It made me cry and Matthew asked me why I was crying. I told him because I could remember so clearly how I felt while I was waiting for him to come and be my son. I will pray for you and your husband that whatever the future holds it will reveal God’s love and faithfulness toward you.
Kelly Rowe says
Wow, Lin! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I agree that there are many blessings that I might take for granted if at a different place in my journey. I continue to remind myself that I am so incredibly blessed with or without that title of ‘mommy.’ Many thanks for your prayers. HUGS!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
Sending you lots of love Kelly. xo
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Gilly! xo
Molly says
My heart hurts for you and have walked a similar path. I have Hypothyroidism and was so overwhelmed at the thought of meds everyday. But a very patient nurse explained to me that your thyroid is like the furnace of your house. If your furnace doesn’t work other things don’t work properly (her example was pipes freeze and floors bow). The good news is it’s an easy fix and simple to monitor through blood tests.
After a few years under my belt I can tell when my levels are off. I gain weight, feel tired and feel emotional.
Girl – don’t need the help in any of those categories. But it’s easy to adjust and move on.
I pray for you to feel peace and know that God has chosen you to be an example. The grace you’ve shown through your struggle has been an example to me. You’re amazing and the few times you’ve shared your struggle left me feeling uplifted and like others get it. You’re blog about unanswered prayer is one I talk about a lot and even taught the message to my Sunday school class.
Kelly Rowe says
Hi Molly! Thank you. Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your experiences with hypothyroidism — and what a great example your nurse provided.
I am incredibly blessed to hear that sharing my struggles has been an encouragement to you. I still cry almost every time I think about that post about prayer, ‘not quite yet.’
Many thanks again, Molly! HUGS to you, friend.
Karla says
I used to use the phrase “Jesus with skin on”. Sometimes you just need a real person to be Jesus for you for a moment or two.
Kelly Rowe says
Wow! Love that, Karla. Thanks so much for sharing… I will certainly keep this in mind, it’s a great phrase/verbal illustration. Have a fantastic week. HUGS!
Amy Anderson says
I definitely would not have any advice to offer anyway – but I can empathize! I’m in a similar boat with some pretty bad reproductive issues. It’s complicated because mine is due to a birth defect. My hormones are a nightmare, and my monthly cycle is so bad . . . very painful. I sometimes wonder, why me?
I’ll be thinking of you, and praying for you. xo
Kelly Rowe says
First and foremost, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re facing these reproductive issues 🙁 It’s so hard when there are no answers to the “why.” I will add you to my prayer list, friend! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. HUGS!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
So much going on and I’ve missed you, sweet friend. We all need our family / clan / tribe / bloggy besties , etc. They pull us through for sure.
Thinking about you and excited for your new adventure volunteering with your church family!!
xoxo
Kelly Rowe says
Thank so much for stopping by, Claire. Life and work keep us busy, eh? 🙂 Trust all is well for you and your family. HUGS!
Rachel says
Kelly, my heart hurts for you. God is good all the time, even when we can’t see how. I hope that you know that even when you feel raw & hurting, when you’re uninspired, you are still an encouragement to others. Thanks so much for that!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Rachel. Yes, I love the statement — Life is hard, but God is good. I can only hope and pray that in sharing my raw and hurting moments, the Lord will use it for the good. HUGS to your friend.