The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility

Did you know that God lovingly and carefully picked your cross for you? Jillian and Alissa talk with Dr. Megan Reister about this idea of God as a carpenter, chiseling away in His workshop. No two crosses are the same, so we should never compare our cross with another person's. What gifts has the Lord hidden in your cross? Listen to this podcast to learn more and be inspired!

 Links:

"At the Foot of the Cross" by Kim Kalman

Secondary Infertility Stories w/ Dr. Megan Reister

In this light-hearted Desert Reflection, Jillian chats with Alissa West about listening to music as a means to foster healing. She touches into the science behind it as well as her background as a music therapist. They also compare the effectiveness of listening to religious vs. secular songs. Please let us know any of your go-to songs that have helped you on the path of infertility!

Links:

Songs to Inspire Hope - Spotify Playlist

Our special guest this week is speaker and author Elizabeth Kelly. Liz has written numerous books for women to help them realize God's beautiful plan for their lives even when things seem to be going off the rails. Though they only scratch the surface of her books, Jillian and Ann's conversation with Liz explores the goodness of our desires, learning to surrender them to God, and trusting in the healing and fulfillment that God will bring into our brokenness. Liz will draw you in with her gentleness and sincerity as she speaks to the heart of each listener with comforting words of wisdom.

Links: 

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Liz Kelly's Website

Jesus Approaches by Liz Kelly

Love Like a Saint by Liz Kelly

Today on the podcast, we welcome Fr. Paul West to teach and encourage us how to pray—especially when we don't feel like it or are in a season of dryness. He gives advice on the best time to pray, where we should pray, and especially how we can pray. After listening to this podcast, you'll feel motivated and inspired to put your phone and other distractions away and just show up to listen and talk to God because He has much to tell us! 

Links:

Explanation of the Liturgy of the Hours from the USCCB

The Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Our special guest this week is Victoria Cerise, a Catholic wedding photographer who travels all over the United States capturing photos for weddings and other special occasions. Jillian and Ann chat with her about her work and the many opportunities for fruitfulness she finds in it. Victoria also invites us to remember that, even for those in a season of infertility, there is so much in life to celebrate! She shares some great ideas for documenting our marriages, times with family and friends, and capturing special memories with a photo session. Please visit her website below to check out her phenomenal work!

Links:

Mystical Rose Photography

Victoria on Instagram

Mystical Rose Photography on Instagram

In this Desert Reflection, Jillian and Cassandra discuss the pros and cons of social media use. There are many wonderful things about social media, however, most of us are aware of the damage social media can do to our mental and emotional health. You'll hear some practical advice on how to use social media in a healthy and balanced way, such as setting app limits and turning off notifications. Listen to hear some more tips!

Links:

5 Ways to Cope with Pregnancy Announcements during Infertility

Springs in the Desert Instagram

Springs in the Desert Facebook

What is Springs of Love? Jillian and Ann talk with Kimberly Henkel about the sister ministry she started that helps couples discern foster care and adoption. Don't miss the beginning of the episode for a great discussion on spiritual motherhood and the importance of grieving infertility while in the process of discernment. If you feel called to foster care or adoption or are just curious about what that looks like, you'll want to listen in and hear some remarkable stories that Kimberly shares.

Links:

Springs of Love

The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis 

Fostered by Tori Hope Peterson

Springs of Love Foster & Adoption Stories on EWTN on Demand

Springs of Love Foster & Adoption Stories on Formed.org

10 Ways to Support Vulnerable Children in Foster Care

During a season of infertility, Mother's Day can be the hardest day of the year. Jillian and Ann give some great advice on how and why you can celebrate this day too. If you're feeling anxious or sad, ask the Blessed Mother to hold your hand. She understands this is can be a very difficult day. Also, remember that your community at Springs in the Desert is holding your hand too and is standing with you.

Links:

Virtual Retreats (contact us for the passwords):

Jillian sits down with Dr. Megan Reister and Alissa West to listen to their personal stories of walking the path of secondary infertility. This conversation reminds us that there are all different types of infertility and no two paths are identical. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a physical community of friends in your area who understand how you're feeling or the place you're in. That's why Springs in the Desert was created! We want to remind you that this community is for you: you do belong here!

Prayer:

O Lord, I come to you with a gracious heart for trusting me with the souls of your children. Help me to be a worthy example of faithfulness, love, and trust in You. Let me never take for granted how precious their lives are. Let me never forget the intense longing felt while navigating the waters of infertility, or the elation and relief upon their birth. Help me to be a gentle, patient, and understanding mother, remembering that each day with them is a gift.

Lord, as I navigate through the waters of motherhood, I find myself between two worlds of women: those still experiencing infertility, and those who have borne children. I can't help but feel guilty as though I've left the first group behind, while simultaneously feeling misunderstood in the latter group as I carry the scars of infertility; scars that most mothers don't fully understand.  

I pray that those still longing for motherhood find fruitfulness in all the gifts You bestow them. I pray that those women with effortless fertility find wonder and awe in the miracle of life. I pray that those who find themselves in between find camaraderie among all women. I pray that women find their place in Your glory no matter their circumstance—infertile, fertile, and anywhere in between. 

Amen.

Jillian and Cassandra talk about three important steps you can take to help advocate for those carrying the cross of infertility. Don't be scared! It can be as easy as sending an email! We invite you to listen, pray, and discern what steps you can take to help increase knowledge of infertility in your family, community, or parish. If we all do something little, it can make a huge impact!

Links:

Infertility Awareness Resources

What to Say to a Loved One who is Struggling with Infertility

Free Download: Mother's Day Bifold for Pastors

Diocese of Manchester NH: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Loss