National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day
:: A beautiful poem written by my friend, Joanna Nunez ::
Today I should have held you,
And wrapped you in my arms.
Today I should have heard your cry,
A wonderful alarm.
Today I should have kissed your neck,
And nuzzled you in mine.
Today it didn’t happen,
But one day it will in time.
Today I should have nursed you.
And spoke so tenderly.
Your gaze should have met mine
A moment full of glee.
Today, I hold in my heart
What was supposed to be,
My love for you is ever strong
Until eternity.
_____
In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day:
“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses his or her partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lost their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents expeirence across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parent who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, birth defects SIDS or other causes.”
Dancing Upon Barren Land Ministry recognizes and remembers National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day. Recently we had Beth Forbus of Sarah’s Laughter ministry come and hold a Memorial Service Honoring Babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant loss at Lakewood Church’s Women’s Ministry. Beth gave a timely message encouraging the hearts with God’s Word, then we had a balloon release. The balloons represented infants lost and / or something we needed to release to God, even the grief of infertility.
Beth and I are committed to reaching those hurting through infertility or infant loss. If you need prayer or resources contact us; Lesli, at Dancing Upon Barren Land or Beth, at Sarah’s Laughter. If you would like Beth to hold a Memorial Service to Honor Babies Lost at your place of worship, please contact her.
Today, October 15th at 7 p.m. please light a candle. Take a picture of your lighted candle and post it to
Dancing Upon Barren Land’s Ministry Facebook page or on Instagram and tag me; @lesli1 with the hashtag #dancinguponbarrenland.
Let’s let the ‘wave of light’ carry throughout the world to remember what we still hold so dear to our heart!
A Biblical Prayer and Scripture Reflection
Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Early Infant Loss
“Heavenly Father, the loss is heartbreaking. I feel as if I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but your Word tells me ‘to fear no evil, for You are with me.’ Father, You said ‘You would never leave me or forsake me’. I ask for your presence now to bless and comfort my heart that mourns over the loss of life in my womb. I praise You when You say in Your Word, ‘that none will miscarry or be barren in your land and that you will give a full life span’. Father, I am believing and declaring Your Word over my future. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Joshua 1:5, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 5:4, Exodus 23:26
Don’t forget to light your candle!
A great resource for your journey…
Dancing Upon Barren Land – Prayer, Scripture Reflection & Hope for Infertility
by Lesli A. Westfall