2018 Moms in the Making Conference
When I first heard about the Moms in the Making conference, an annual conference dedicated to women who have struggled with any aspect of infertility, I had all kinds of preconceived notions about what this conference would be like.
I pictured sessions about IVF/IUI recommendations, alternate ways to build your family, medications…therapies…doctors to try…
There are so many things this conference COULD’VE been.
It could’ve been hundreds of women sulking in their deficiencies, complaining about how terrible life is, passing around the pity party - one woman after another.
Because that is what the world says infertility is supposed to be like.
It is lonely. Barren. Sorrowful. Depressing.
BUT JESUS.
The world says we should be lonely and that we are less than, but Jesus says he came to give hope for the brokenhearted and to set captives free. (Luke 4:18)
The world says we should be filled with depression, but Jesus guaranteed the promise of the Holy Spirit, who gives good gifts. It’s better than Christmas morning around here, cause these gifts last forever! Like joy that overflows, peace that subdues, and faith that is limitless. (Gal 6:23 TPT)
Do these truths only apply to moms? I ask because there are so many of us struggling with infertility, even today, who are living like it’s true.
As if we only have hope once we’re holding a baby in our arms. Or that we’ll experience true joy and peace once our wait is over.
(cont’d below.)
There are so many things this conference COULD’VE been.
But what it actually was completely surpassed all of my expectations.
Just as the theme of the conference implied, we must be so deeply rooted in TRUTH that the enemy’s lies are rejected as soon as they enter our ears or our hearts. Being rooted in truth and rooted in the Word are vital to walk this road of infertility.
So, that’s what we did. We went to the WORD.
In every breakthrough session.
In every main stage session. Through prayer, worship, and fellowship.
We rooted ourselves in the truth of God’s Word and He showed up in ways I can’t quite put into words. (But, I’ll try.)
We found freedom, joy, and faith available to us, if only we’d take it.
We discovered that the hope of heaven exceeds our hope of a baby. And that Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy (i.e. infertility.) We were compelled to break agreements with the enemy and to declare that he has no stronghold over us.
We replaced lies with the TRUTH. The truth that we are invited to take a seat at the King’s table. And at His table, we find hope and acceptance. We are invited to a feast, instead of eating crumbs off of the floor. We dance in the flowers and run through a garden full of seeds of truth, instead of crawling through a field of weeds and thorns. (2 Sam 9)
After trying for babies for more than 8 years, I completely understand the overwhelming longing and aching of the heart to conceive your own child.
After a few rounds of (failed) fertility treatment cycles, I desperately prayed that the Father would either bless us with a baby or take away the desire of my heart. And about a year ago, He did just that.
We’ve been at peace that it will probably just be the two of us and our hairy pups from here on out. And that’s ok! We are hopeful that the Lord will use our home and our lives to serve and to bless others in ways we never would’ve been able to do if there were children living in our home for the next 20+ years.
So when I heard about the MITM Conference, I wondered if it was for someone like me. I didn’t fit most of the categories listed on the interest sheet. I wasn’t coming out of a treatment cycle, I didn’t recently have a miscarriage, and I wasn’t taking a “break.” I was finished.
I decided to purchase a ticket anyways.
Even though I barely knew anyone there. Even though I wasn’t a “Mom” in the making. Even though I don’t particularly like being around large groups of people and a weekend alone at home sounded fabulous.
Not even an hour into the conference, the Father revealed to me so clearly why I was there.
He sent me to pray for the almost 300 women who desired to be a mother. And so I did.
I prayed fervently that they (and I) would choose to praise Him through the storm, and not just when they’d made it out.
That we would praise Him for who He is, and not just what we can get from Him.
That we would take care of our hearts so that the seeds of truth can bear deep roots within us so that our faith is unshakeable and unstoppable. A faith without limits.
And I prayed for babies! Jesus, bring the babies!
I can’t wait to see all of the babies that will be born this year at the conference next fall.
If you are walking the road of infertility alone or without a group of women who are pouring a message of hope into your soul, I strongly urge you to find a local Moms in the Making home group in your city/state or to join the growing online community and Facebook group.
There is hope to be found. The hope of heaven. And maybe even a baby.
Will you join us next year? I hope so.
I’ll save you a seat.
The founder of Moms in the Making, Caroline Harries.
This song was the anthem of the weekend. We declared that we will praise the Father in ALL circumstances, at ALL times. We will not lose hope when our earthly desires are not fulfilled because we have the hope of heaven.
I couldn’t help but bust the guitar out as soon as I got home to continue singing His praises!
“I Raise a Hallelujah” by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser [Bethel]
I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me
I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar
Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!
