Water from the Rock: Finding God's Comfort in the Midst of Infertility

The best way to succinctly describe this book is as a "How-To" manual for dealing with the grief of infertility. Each of the three authors have walked this journey and they combine their experiences and expertise (they are professional ministers and a professional counselor) to walk along side the reader through the ins and outs of grief. The book is divided into 2 sections. The first section deals with identifying the stages of grief and how it manifests specifically in infertility grief. Each chapter identifies a new stage and offers constructive, biblically sound suggestions on navigating it. The second section focuses more specifically on overall coping and healing, rather than stage specific exercises. It concentrates on the wounded woman's possible necessity to reconcile with herself and her identity in Christ, with God, with her spouse, her family and/or her friends. The authors challenge the reader to reach beyond her grief out to others around her and encourage the reader to really internalize that God's plan for her life is not limited by infertility. My favorite line in the book is at the very end and states in a prayer, [God,] help me to realize that the purpose of my suffering far exceeds the pain of my suffering. While I don't agree with the authors that infertility is a "special calling" (a minor part of the book so don't dismay if you also disagree), I do know that God can redeem any pain by making His glory known through it. There is great purpose in evidencing God's glory throughout the earth, and this specific challenge from the authors stirred my heart to search beyond, rather than dwell in my pain. At the end of each chapter, the authors offer challenging questions designed to nudge the reader to introspection. These questions would make excellent prompts for journaling, or, with some modifications for privacy, a spring board for a small group discussion. The authors also offer a specific action challenge at the end of each chapter. What I love the most about this book is how constructive and tangible the tools are. They are very prescriptive with "do this," and "think about that." As I said, it's almost like a "How-To" manual and at this stage in my grief, I found that very helpful because at times in my Infertility Grief Journey, I found myself almost being afraid that I was doing things out of order, or too quickly or too slowly, and it was helpful for me to just have an outside reference as sort of a guide of what to expect, what to be on my guard for, etc. Of course, it goes without saying that everyone's process is different, but even in my limited interactions with other Infertility women (compared to the interactions of the authors), I noticed quite a few commonalities too, and this book draws on that. The solutions they offer are physical, emotional and spiritual changes. I appreciated this holistic approach and at this point in my journey, it's just so helpful to have someone say "Do this." "Expect that.

I have read many books on infertility and this one is a definite must have. Every chapter touches on exactly what I have been through, or am experiencing right now. It's great to have a Christian outlook, and reflection questions at the end of each chapter. A+++

I would highly recommend this book for anyone going through or who has just gone through infertility treatment. It helps you understand the grief process and confirms that your feelings while going through the infertility journey are real. The chapters are 1. Denial/Shock, 2. Desperation/Panic, 3. Anger/Resentment, 4. Sadness/Depression, 5. Inadequacy/Guilt, 6. Hope/Peace, 7. Reconciliation/Integration, 8. Does Time Heal All Wounds?, 9. Relationship, Reconciliation, and Restoration, 10. Renewing Your Mind, 11. Refuge in the Rock. It is really a MUST HAVE.

This book puts feelings and emotions (which are rarely discussed in society) into words to help couples dealing with infertility. The authors define stages of grief dealing with infertility and give ways to handle these stages in a positive way. It has been a great tool for me as I seek to sensitively deal with friends struggling with this issue. The book steers clear of medical and technical issues and addresses handling emotions (anger, grief) in a Godly way. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with infertility and for anyone who knows someone who is. It would be a great small group tool also.