When my extended family get together there is always a level of chaos that the children thrive on—my extrovert little boy loves playing with his eight cousins. Last time we were all together, he announced to the room: ‘I really want a little brother or sister but my mummy said she can’t have a baby.’
‘But you have lots of love,’ replied my brother, coming to my rescue.
My mind often wanders back to that moment—that’s what it’s like with loss. I love my job, my husband and child, and am so grateful for them. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t unanswered prayer in my life. In all of our lives, sadness usually sits alongside joy.
So when I met Sheryn Adamson (see p.6), we had the kind of bond that women do when they have had similar experiences. Despite her seven-year, heart-breaking battle with infertility, she was still genuinely interested in hearing my own, much smaller, story. There is something nourishing about sharing our stories.
It’s through friends who have helped carry my burdens—and I pray I have done the same in return—that I have come to understand God as an intimate friend. He is not an existential puppeteer, pulling the strings of my life; he journeys closely with me through it all.
Of course, there have been times when I have asked, ‘Why, Lord?’—that is part of the Christian journey. More often than not, there is no clear answer to this question. Rather, a sense that I have been heard and am deeply known. Brothers and sisters, let us carry each others’ burdens, just as Christ carries ours.
Ingrid Barratt
Editor
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ihāia 41:10 Kaua e wehi; kei a koe nei hoki ahau; kaua anō e tirotiro; ko ahau nei hoki tōu Atua: Māku koe e whakakaha, āe rā, māku koe e āwhina, ka tautokona ake anō koe e te ringa matau o tōku tika.