Reflection on He Remembers The Barren by Katie Schuermann
Today, we welcome our first guest writer to our blog, Kylie Linke. We thank God for Kylie, and I hope you will be encouraged as you read her reflections. You can read more about Kylie in her bio at the end of this article. Kylie is sharing some deeply personal reflections on the book “He Remembers the Barren”, by Katie Schuermann. Considering that infertility and pregnancy loss is an incredibly tender topic for so many women, we welcome respectful and sincere comments. He Remembers the Barren, by Katie Schuermann Book Reflections by Kylie Linke As I began this reflection I was reminded of another book. L M Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. While I have never met Katie Schuermann, something I believe we have in common is a love for Anne Shirley’s story. Maybe you do too. Montgomery’s series of ‘Anne books’ were among my favourite reads as a young girl. These tales of Anne – a fictional character – inspired me to hope and dream I would one day be the mother of a large family. In real life, however, my experiences as a wife and mother have been very different to those childhood imaginings. The Lord has blessed my husband and I with two boys. Prior to receiving these gifts from God, we lived through years of barrenness. This period in my life preceded He Remembers the Barren being published. Yet, in this book, I found stories that resemble my own. From the opening chapter, I felt for Katie Schuermann, and for the women who shared their stories with her. I also felt understood. She writes, “She knows what it is like to hope and plan and dream each month, only to end up suffering through a private funeral every time her period starts… She is a woman but not a mother, and she is confused.” (pages 1-2). This is the story of many women. This was my story too. I remember awkward conversations about our childlessness. Dreading the question, “Do you have any children?” in social situations. Receiving unsolicited advice. The internal struggle each time friends announced they were pregnant, “It was good news, really…this was cause for major celebration. I did not feel like celebrating, however.” (page 17). In the midst of these sufferings, Katie Schuermann reminds us, “Nothing happens in our lives apart from our gracious and loving heavenly Father, and every full and empty womb is intended for our good…” (page 9). Romans 8 has become a regular source of comfort for me in times of suffering. Verse 28 in particular, which is referenced several times in He Remembers the Barren. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose”. As Katie Schuermann observes in Chapter 16, “…God promises to work all things, even your suffering and pain, for your eternal good.” (page 107). In some ways, I feel ill qualified to reflect on He Remembers the Barren, as someone who experienced barrenness, then conceived. However as Katie Schuermann highlights, “Even if we conceive… we still carry the painful scars of those empty years… Those barren years are a fixed part of our histories.” (page 48). Our firstborn arrived seven years into our marriage. Prior to this, I grieved over our childlessness, and wondered why we could not conceive. I have a chronic illness, but various medical checks did not identify any reason for our barrenness. I confess I fell into the trap Katie Schuermann describes of looking for certainty where there is none, instead of acknowledging, “…God is the author of life…the giver (and the withholder) of the gift of children.” (pages 131-132). The wait for our second child was longer. In He Remembers the Barren Katie Schuermann also addresses this issue of secondary infertility, and the feelings that can accompany it (pages 132-133). This too resonated with me. As a mother of one child I knew I had much to thank God for, yet I grieved too, particularly as our son longed for a sibling. So I do feel ill qualified to write this reflection. But it’s not about my qualifications. It is about our loving God – our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Helper the Holy Spirit. He is central in Katie Schuermann’s writing. This is why He Remembers the Barren offers much for all of us. There is both God’s Law and the Gospel message, the peace and hope we have in Christ. There is comfort for sisters in Christ wrestling with barrenness, miscarriage and suffering in general. There is insight for people who desire to love, serve and better understand those wrestling with such suffering. There is much encouragement. Chapter by chapter, as stories of suffering are shared, references to Scripture are included, or cited for looking up while reading. Each chapter closes with a reading from Psalms, a Prayer by Deaconess Melissa DeGroot and Hymn Stanza. I give thanks to God for Katie Schuermann. For her willingness to share her gift of writing, and these deeply personal stories. I give thanks too for all who supported and encouraged her in the work of producing He Remembers the Barren. Through them God has reminded me He is with us in the midst of our sufferings. He never leaves us or forsakes us, even in our deepest grief or darkest days. He has also reminded me of my vocations. Reminded me our identity first and foremost is not about whether or not we are mothers, but the identity we have in Christ. As Professor John T. Pless observes in his foreword to this book, “As Katie so aptly puts it, fulfilment is found not in the womb, but in Christ.” (p. xvi). If you haven’t read “He Remembers the Barren”, it is a true gem. It not only makes room for women who need to grieve and lament the burden that infertility has brought them, but it also lifts up
She Prays for Mothers this Mothers’ Day
She Prays for Mothers this Mothers’ Day Dear Sisters in Christ, As we prepare for Mother’s Day here in Australia, here is a prayer that I hope you may be encouraged by as you pray. I love praying this prayer with the Church each Mother’s Day. I look forward to it, especially since it only comes around once a year! Nevertheless, we should not let that limit us from praying it more frequently. This prayer could also be a good one to pray at a baby shower. Often, I am struck by how many of these petitions resonate with me or have stirred my spirit to pray for a particular woman I know. I often find it strange how God puts us in a community with women who experience life so differently from each other; this goes for motherhood, too. Every woman has a story of motherhood. And yet, as Sisters in Christ, we are called to live in fellowship with one another, united in Christ’s bond of peace as we encourage each other to cling in faith to our shared source of life and light, boldly trusting that He will hold us together as we travel along the road to our heavenly home. Along with commending those we love into God’s care, I think prayer helps us to prepare our spirit to find ways to love and serve others. Sometimes, we don’t find ways that will truly help a person, but we can still pray for them, and that is not nothing. And so, as I have grieved with sisters who have miscarried, I have been able to pray for Christ to tend their wounds and wrap them up in His love. I have also rejoiced with women who have been in a long battle with infertility and finally conceived, and I can tell you that those prayers of thanksgiving have been some highlights of my Christian life. I have also prayed for pregnant sisters who are exhausted; and sometimes, I have been able to help and serve them in practical ways, and other times, all I have been able to do is listen and validate their trial over the phone. Finally–and this one is a tough one–I have witnessed mums who are struggling to stay in Christ’s light and out of the darkness of depression; here I have felt at my weakest and most ill-equipped to help, but I know that my prayers for God’s mercy on them do not go unnoticed by our Lord, and that I am called as a Christian to trust in His redemption and restoration for those women. All of these experiences–and so many others–are unique to each woman. I have quite a few mothers I am praying for This Mother’s Day, many of whom are struggling with a particular burden of motherhood. Maybe you know someone too? Perhaps the Holy Spirit is moving you to prayers of thanksgiving this Mother’s Day, maybe for your mother, the mother(s) of your grandchildren, and mothers in your congregation. Either way, You can use this prayer as a start and to guide your prayers for the women you know, praying for Christ to strengthen them for the trials that their distinctively feminine vocation brings them, praying for the help of the Holy Spirit to provide the light for their path, and to grant them the love and joy that comes from our heavenly Father’s hand, which mothers rely upon to endure the demands that motherhood brings. This prayer may be familiar to you; it is prepared by the LCA Commission on Worship for use in the LCA Worship Service Orders on Mothers’ Day. May God bless you richly this Mother’s Day. Let us pray. God our Father, we pray: for new mothers, coming to terms with both the joys and demands of motherhood; for pregnant mothers, expectant and wondering, or fearful; for those mothers who are tired, stressed, ill or depressed; for those who struggle to balance the demands of work and children; for those who have to struggle with difficult decisions about whether or not to become a mother or to have another child; for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty; for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities; for those who have children they do not want; for those who raise children on their own; for those who have lost a child through death or abortion; for those who care for the children of others; for those whose children have left home; for those whose children have rejected their love; and for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled. *for those who are grieving the loss of their mother. *for those who do not know their biological mother. Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender, and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good, living not for themselves, but for God and for others. Amen. *These petitions have been added to the original prayer. http://www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/service-order/?order-type=liturgy&post-id=18627 About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…
Welcome to our Blog
Welcome to the Here She Stands Blog! We at Here She Stands have created this blog, an online space to encourage Australian Lutheran women as we continue to grow in faith. So that together we can stand firm in our shared faith, becoming courageous, strong and striving to do everything in love (1 Cor 16:13). As we trust in Jesus’ Word, and depend on His holy and precious body and blood for our sustenance, it is our prayer that this blog will build up women of faith as they live lives of service to their neighbour bringing glory to God, so that when the tribulations of this world try to push us down, we can confidently say, “Here I stand. I can do no other.” On this blog you will find reflections on the HSS podcast episodes and more information about our podcast guests. If there is anything you want to learn more about, you can leave a comment on Youtube or your podcast platform, or you can email us. We will endeavour to write a reply that can be shared with the HSS community. Occasionally, we will invite guests who are better equipped to reply to questions that the HSS community would like to unpack further. We will also invite special guests to share their writing to encourage you in your earthly vocations and in your eternal hope. It is our hope that no matter what is going on in the church and in the world around us, we can lift up our hearts to God, trusting in His mercy and promises. Finally, this blog has been created to give space for Lutheran sisters in Christ to guide, teach and encourage each other in faith through conversation and consolation. We hope to do this by sharing prayers, meditations and devotions, as well as our stories of joy and struggle. My name is Kimberley Pfeiffer, and I look forward to getting to know you! As editor, I will be a regular writer here. If you are a Lutheran woman who enjoys writing about your life of faith in Jesus, or who meditates on God’s Word through writing prayers and devotions, I would love to hear from you. Let’s get into it! Your sister in Christ, Kimberley Get in touch at hereshestands.blog@gmail.com About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…
Meals that Mirror The One Great Meal
Meals that Mirror the one Great Meal In church, we frequently gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ to share in the Heavenly Feast. To the naked eye, it might not seem like much is going on at all. But for those with the eyes of faith, there is more going on than we can possibly imagine. And so, we let our souls be still, and we listen. We hear the pastor speaking the words of institution that bring about God’s work. The bread and wine — Christ’s body and blood. The pastor invites us to the table, saying, “Come, for everything is ready.” And in faith, we respond to Christ’s call to receive — to take and eat. We gather as true guests at Christ’s table. As we eat physical food —we eat spiritual food. As we join in fellowship with our congregation in this meal — we join in fellowship with Christ and the whole Christian church, not just here and now, but in every time and place. This is a great mystery. In Episode #36, Meg Pearce reminds us that Christian hospitality “mirrors that one great meal that is Christ’s body and blood in the meal and how He shows His love to us in that.” The spiritual food that we receive from Christ at His table gives our spirit sustenance so that we can open our hearts and our hands to love and serve our neighbour with the daily bread that they need. As we share our homes and resources with others, through us, Jesus extends His care and comfort to them as well. Christians are called to not only partake of the body of Christ in the meal “but also to be in the body, that is the family of God.” Meg says, “that is the model. This is the inspiration, and this is why we show hospitality. We are mirroring the meal and the unity and friendship that we have through Jesus and His love and His sacrifice.” The Word of God is not only full of encouragement to practise hospitality (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9, 3 John 1:8); it also teaches us that we should be able to recognise Christians by their hospitable acts of love (Acts 28:7, Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 5:10). When you next prepare to sit down to eat, think about who you could welcome to your table in the future. Pray before you eat, and ask your Lord Jesus to “come”. Ask for Jesus to be present with you so that His love can radiate among you. Meditate on God’s goodness in His provision for your daily bread and how He welcomes you to His table. Let Jesus inspire you as you welcome others to your table. Thank God for the gift of fellowship, of family and friendship, and for your church community. Trust that Jesus will help and sustain you as you extend His love to others, remembering that his body and blood was broken for the sake of all humanity. By Kimberley Pfeiffer About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…
Hymn Writing
Hymn Writing and Creativity Recent guest to our podcast, Kelly Klages, wrote this beautiful hymn several years ago in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Kelly had written some poetry before this, but never a hymn. When an opportunity came to write a hymn, she did not immediately know how to do it, but that didn’t stop her. She adapted her poetry writing skills and set her mind to the task at hand: a task that involved teaching herself how to write a hymn and wrestling in a creative wordplay so that a new hymn could be brought into existence. Kelly certainly is a creative and talented individual, but her success has only come through dedicating time and practice. Some of her projects probably didn’t work out, but some of them have. No doubt she has had to work through the failures to enjoy the successes. Kelly has also made room in her life–both space, time and resources–to exercise her creativity muscles, to pursue her ideas and engage in her projects, which is no small thing when we think of all the things that keep us busy and stop us from taking time to be fully present and just play. With a busy family, I know I find it hard to make the time for creative projects! Taking time to be creative, whether it is doodling, knitting, needlework, writing or cooking or whatever it is you enjoy, is a divine gift, and so we should receive it as such. And so, we should thank God for the time that we have and just begin. Even if it is a quiet five minutes in a waiting room with a notepad and pen. As Christians, we have the help of the Holy Spirit who inspires our hearts and minds. When we engage our creativity, through it, we enjoy the gift that unites our spirit with our body and soul. As we do this, we can be reminded that we are created in our Creative God’s image. Thanks be to God! Creativity is simply putting your mind and hand to a task or project and forming an idea into a reality. The benefits of practising creativity go far beyond the object created. Creating keeps us connected to God, but it also connects us to the colours, textures, sounds, scents, and intricate detail of God’s creation, of which we are a part, which God made for us to notice and to enjoy. Christian artists, writers, poets and hymn writers allow their creativity to be inspired by the gift of faith that depends on God’s Holy and precious Word. When they do this they encourage their own spirit, and when they share it with others, they bring a joy that can bolster other Christians through their own trials. Don’t we need more of that! Read the hymn below; can you see how Kelly’s faith in Jesus is shared with you through it? When hymns, such as this one, meditate on who God is and His gifts to His people, the church, together we can all grow in our knowledge of God and His redemptive love given to us in His Son, Jesus. This hymn is a gift to the church. Anyone can sing it – anywhere! So, since hymns are meant for singing, follow this link if you would like access to the music: Jesus came a babe among us. This hymn is a gift to the church. Anyone can sing it, anywhere! Gifts given by God are to be shared. How can you share the gifts God has given you with others? by Kimberley Pfeiffer and Lexi Bourne Jesus came a babe among us Verse 1 Jesus came a babe among us, Born to heed the Father’s call. God’s own Word, who spoke creation, Cried for mercy for us all. Jesus served us by the Gospel In His life and in His death, And proclaimed His full forgiveness With His final dying breath. Verse 2 With our first breath, we as infants Greet a strange and wondrous place, Crying out against the darkness, Helpless children needing grace. God, in mercy ever living, Formed our bodies in the womb; At the font He has reformed us By the cross and empty tomb Verse 3 You have called us, blessed Father By Your name so strong and true You give ev’ry generation Tongues to speak Your Word anew. Give us boldness to confess You In our life and in our death, That, by grace, we trust Your promise With our final dying breath. Verse 4 Glory be to God the Father, Son, and Spirit: Three in One. We, with saints who came before us, Sing the vict’ry You have won. In Your Word our hope is founded, And a people yet to be Shall sing praises to Your glory With Your Church eternally. Text: Kelly Klages Music: Stephen R. Johnson Text and music: © 2015 Concordia Publishing House Learn more about Kelly Klage at KellyKlages.com Listen to an interview with Kelly on the Here She Stands Podcast entitled “Using Creativity to Elevate God’s Word.” (Episode #33). Spotify Apple About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…
Art as a Good Work
Art as a Good Work As Christian women, we live in the grace of our baptism, knowing that God has forgiven our sins and that we are made righteous before God and have been given the gift of eternal life. We know that all this we have received as a pure gift by Christ’s redeeming work on the cross and not by anything we have done or deserve. As Lutherans, we call this ‘justification’ (AC IV). This is foundational to how we live out our lives as God’s people, because our justification centres our spirit so we can embody the new obedience in our lives, producing the good fruit and good works of faith (AC VI). Dr Martin Luther says, “Faith is a divine work in us which changes us and makes us to be born anew of God… bringing with it the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is our helper in all we do, and Christian artists and craftswomen know this well! For centuries, women within their communities all over the world have been cultivating unique and interesting crafts and artistic talents. With the help of the Holy Spirit, these gifts can be used for God’s glory and the good of the Christian community. Christian art can be used to teach the faith and the story of God’s redeeming love for his people and the whole of his creation. It can also help the Christian community to grow in awe and wonder of the beauty of God’s creation (read Psalm 8). Some women paint and draw, others stitch, weave, knit, bead, or make clothes, while others bake, organise and build things with their hands. Other women can enjoy and appreciate these gifts by encouraging the cultivation of these gifts in the young. Because we are justified before God in Christ, we don’t practice our craft to earn favour with God, and so Christian artists and craftspeople are free to play and be creative. Instead, we can employ our artistic skills and talents to be a gift to others, to our families, the church and our neighbours in the world so they can know the hope that is in us. How might you use your artistic abilities to bring beauty to the worship life of your home, church community and local community? by Kimberley Pfeiffer Christmas card by artist Kelly Klage, can be purchased at Ad Crucem Meet our current HSS artists and stay tuned for our next shop release! Check out our interview with Georgie Grieger on Art and Beauty in the Church About the Author Kimberley Pfeiffer Kimberley Pfeiffer is Lutheran writer who has not stopped reading, asking questions and thinking about what it means to live like a Lutheran ever since she joined the Lutheran church over twenty years ago. Read more…
