Longing for Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness

When you're going through childlessness and don't have a choice about it, it's really nice to find books that echo some of what you're going through, especially as a person of faith. I found that this book addressed some of the most difficult questions (for me) regarding infertility - what did it mean for my relationship with God? In that way, it was a very helpful book, as it brought me nose to nose with the biggest issues I was wrestling with and helped me in my walk with God.However - it must be said that if you're a woman going into this, know that the author is very pro-adoption, and it can come across that adoption is the only option if you are well and truly stuck when it comes to your fertility treatment options. The book has a section on why IVF is not a good or godly choice, which is interesting since she did not have the opportunity to make that particular choice for herself. As someone who has gone through IVF multiple times and knows that it takes much, much more than science and putting A & B together to create life, I had to take it with a grain of salt and move on. The reasons cited against IVF were not at all my experience with my particular clinic or situation, but as they are concerning and warrant consideration, do your research with your clinics. If IVF is the path that God is calling you to (which I certainly believe it can be), go into this book knowing that it does not support that. Just keep going where God is leading you, and find some Christian blogs online to give perspective on going through IVF. There is still *plenty* of good to be gleaned from this book despite that, and there are far too few female voices writing about this topic from a faith perspective.

This is such a beautifully written book on such a hard and intimate subject. Chelsea is open and honest and points us to a good God, who walks with us in our deepest trials. I'm grateful for her honesty and all the scripture throughout the book that has helped me process through my own longings. I also appreciated the questions after each chapter, which helped me process and work through what she talked about. Such an important read for anyone experiencing a longing for motherhood. I recommend it to everyone I know who is dealing with this, as well as church leaders and pastors.

This book is exactly what each individual and couple dealing with childlessness, etc, should have at their disposal. Chelsea begins with her very personal story, and how her journey through her pain and disappointment was supported at every step by Scripture and her Faith. This is not only a resource for the specific topic of childlessness, but also for anyone dealing with loss or disappointment. Scripture after scripture, as well as Biblical examples of childless women, are presented throughout Chelsea's story. This book should be on every pastor and counselor's desk as an important resource. Highly recommended!

Chelsea does an amazing job being honest about the journey of childlessness. As one who suffers from infertility, it can indeed be very lonely. I loved all her great quotes and her personal stories, as well as truth straight from the only One who can give us real hope.

I support everyone's views on different issues and the author explains her story in a very relate-able way. But if you are choosing to go the IVF route, this book is not the best support for that specific load of emotions.

A book full of truth and hope on childlessness has been so needed. I am so thankful for Chelsea sharing her journey of grieving and loss in this book, and pointing the reader to the truth of God’s word on grief, loss, and the hope that is found in him, and only him. Please read this book!! (Even if you’re not walking through this journey. Chances are you will know someone who is).

This book was beautifully written and has been a huge encouragement to me and my husband during our infertility journey. This is the only book on infertility that I have found to points the reader to Christ. Thank you Chelsea for writing this book!!

Gave this to a friend struggling with infertility and miscarriage and it was very helpful and encouraging!There are several things that should never be said or asked to a women, and this book touches on the unintentional hurtful things people can say, and how to deal with it.

This is a very helpful and worthy book to read on the subject of childlessness and longing for motherhood. The fictionalised story of Hannah from the Bible by Jill Eileen Smith: A Passionate Hope is also beautiful.