Hannah's Hope - Jennifer SaakeI intended to read Hannah's Hope very slowly, reflecting on each point made and each idea discussed. I was going to make it stretch through my Christmas travels so that I would have something to read while relaxing. So, apparently starting the book on the 15th of December was a mistake. I finished on the 16th.
This book reflects on the story of Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1). In the story, Hannah longs for a child, but her womb is barren. Her husband, Elkanah, takes another wife in order to have children. One year, while at the house of the Lord, Hannah cries out to God and vows that if He gives her a child, she will give him back to the Lord for the rest of the days of the child's life. She later conceives and gives birth to a son, Samuel, who, upon weaning, she dedicates to the house of the Lord, as promised.
The first few chapters of the book were hard to read and yet also very good. The author, who has struggled with infertility and miscarriage, writes about the feelings and thoughts that go along with these struggles. She writes about how Hannah would have been feeling, and in this, relates to women everywhere who struggle with infertility/miscarriage/still birth. I could completely relate to everything she was writing and was blessed to have my experiences validated. What I'm feeling is real. What I'm feeling is normal. I'm not blowing this out of proportion. I don't have to pretend that this isn't affecting me anymore. This is what I'm feeling and I can be justified in feeling this way.
Throughout the book, Saake continually refers back to Hannah's story. She talks about having a mother's heart. She talks about the deep longing for children. She talks about what Elkanah (the husband) would have likely been feeling. And she talks about being a mother without living children. This book broke my heart (or rather, put words to my already wounded heart) and yet encouraged me so much.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with infertility, miscarriage, or still birth. I equally recommend this book to anyone who knows anyone struggling with infertility, miscarriage, or still birth. It is written both for those struggling, and as an aid for those who have never been there to help those who have. (Each chapter ends with a "Burden Bearers" section written from the perspective of the hurting to those who are trying to help giving suggestions of things to avoid and areas in which to be extra-sensitive.)
P.S.- CONGRATULATIONS, JILL!!! Engaged! So very very exciting! When's the big day?
3 comments:
i can't wait to read this book. i think i'll go buy it tomorrow.
Good insight into what sounds like a good book, Niki - I can't even begin to imagine what it means and feels like to wait and hope the way that you do.
And, Niki - THANK YOU! Jeremy and I are really excited. Jer wants a short engagement, but we don't really know how long things take. We were going to start looking at reception halls this coming week and pick the earliest available date in June/July/September/October (too many friends being married in August). But my dear roommate and friend Crystal (there's three engaged gals in the house now) tells me I need to give 6 months for the dress. So I think June is out. . . *shrug*. Whenever it happens, I'm happy!
I am SO glad that the book blessed you as it did for me. I care about your struggle Niki, and you (and Nathan too) are in my prayers.
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