Hardships

I came across this the other day and it really struck a cord with me.  As our story is getting out, people have emailed, sent texts and Facebook messages, and stopped me randomly to tell me how much our story has touched them.  I am saying this with humility because it is still extremely bizarre to me that this miracle is actually happening to me.  The is really MY life.  I am a very ordinary girl from a small town in Iowa.  I grew up with the "All-American" family - two parents who love each other and a younger sister.  I graduated from high school, went to college, and found my dream job.  I fell in love with an incredible man and we got married.  My story is no different than yours.  I am one person.  Yet, God is using my story in big ways in other people's lives.  And for that, I am eternally thankful.

When I saw this quote, it really spoke to me because I feel like I am finally in a place where I can see the hardship we faced for the blessing it truly was and still is.  Had we not gone through the past 3 years of infertility trials and heartbreak, the beautiful story of generosity and compassion that I'm living because of Julie & Dan wouldn't be - and in turn, the people our story has touched and inspired to perform intentional acts of kindness for others might never have occurred.  When I stop and think about the ripple effect of people who have been touched by the hardships Kevin & I have gone through, I get tears in my eyes.  Although I would've never chosen this journey for myself, I am living proof that God's plans for our lives are often far more than we could've ever dreamed for ourselves.

I'm challenging each of you to view the hardships you're facing today as an opportunity to bless and inspire others.  You never know where the ripple effect of you sharing your story will end.

Lots of Love,