Elizabeth, my namesake, is one of the women in the Bible whose story has spoken to me throughout the past decade. Early on in our struggle to conceive a baby, I wrote a Bible verse on an index card. Periodically, for the past 6 years, this notecard has resurfaced. I have taped it to my bathroom mirror. I have tucked it between the pages of my Bible. I have posted it on Instagram. And I keep finding this little piece of paper around the house.

This December, I hear this passage of Scripture echoing in my heart. I’ll turn 38 this month, and my husband is older than that. Although many people would not consider us old, we are significantly older than most first-time parents. Some of our peers are even grandparents.

Without a doubt, for the past 7 years we could be considered barren. Unable to conceive a child. Every holiday season and every birthday were covered with shadow of grief in my heart, because we desired to have children and it wasn’t happening.

There was a period of several hundred years between the Old Testament and the New Testament when the people on earth didn’t hear much from God in Heaven. Then one day He appeared to an old man named Zechariah. This man loved God and had a wife who had never been able to have children. God said, “You’re going to have a child,” and soon after, Zechariah and Elizabeth became pregnant. Their baby had a divine purpose: to prepare the way for the Lord.

Then the angel made an appearance to Mary, the mother of Jesus, telling her, “You’re going to have a baby.” As proof that God could do such a miracle as make a virgin pregnant, the angel said,

“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:36-37 NIV)

I cry as I write these words, because for years I have hoped for the day when I could say “I am too.”

I am too. I am Elizabeth, who seemed be barren. This Christmas season, this month of my 38th birthday, I am 6 months pregnant. This has been my happiest December in a long time, because a hope deferred does make a heart sick and that longing fulfilled is so life-giving! To God be the glory.

A couple of years ago, a child I nanny for spontaneously drew a picture of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s grief turned to joy when they found out they were expecting a baby. Jumping out of their seats with joy! That’s how I feel too!

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Hi, I’m Betsy, and I live in the Washington, D.C. area with my husband, Mike. We have been married since 2008, and look forward to the arrival of our first baby in 2018! We enjoy exploring new cities together on foot and doing life as a team.

I write because I feel called and I enjoy it, and I hope that my words point you toward God! My first book, Embracing Hope During Infertility is intended to infuse hope into your heart! My second book, although written for children, will point you toward the goodness of God, even in the darkest times. I’m hoping to publish my third book soon – a guide for new authors!

You can learn more about me here. I would love for you to connect with me by following my Hope During Infertility Facebook page or my Betsy Herman, Writer Facebook page. I’m also on Instagram and Twitter as @lovethatbetsy.Thanks so much for reading this post!