‘Not having children makes me a misfit at church’
By 
Catherine Disher2023-09-13T10:09:00
As part of world childless week, Catherine Disher reflects on her own journey, and what she wishes other Christians knew about not having children
Recently, I stood beneath a tree after giving someone a word. I had no idea what the scripture related to; nor did I need to. The person broke down in tears. “We’ve been trying for a baby…” I won’t repeat the rest here, but I’ve heard this story repeated many times over the past decade. With miscarriage and infertility rates where they are, and global birth rates declining, this is not a foreign theme; the pain expressed by human beings experiencing the effects of childlessness can be heartbreaking.
To continue reading, register now for more access!
Register FREE or SIGN IN HERE if you are a subscriber, a registered user, or if you already have a login for another Premier website
It only takes a minute to sign up for a free account and unlock these benefits:
- Access to more articles every month
- Bookmark pages to return to or share
- Add your comments
Want more? Subscribe today and get UNLIMITED ACCESS!
Get more free content register today or sign in now
Related articles
-
Opinion5 ways to welcome single people this Christmas
It might be the season of goodwill and a time of celebration, but Christmas can also be hard for those who are on their own. Beth Collingridge shares some easy ways we can make sure everyone enjoys the festive season
-
OpinionRubiales, consent and what the Church needs to learn about touch
Luis Rubiales, president of Spain’s football federation, has resigned, three weeks after kissing Jenni Hermoso, on the lips without her consent. Abi Thomas reflects on her own experiences, and what the Church can do to make sure physical contact is helpful, honouring to God and one another
-
OpinionWhy single Christian women are leaving the church
If leaders don’t respond to women’s concerns about sexism, misogyny and their role in church life soon, it will be too late to stem the tide, says Dr Katie Gaddini
More from Real Life
-
Real Life'Jesus is changing lives in Magaluf'
Hundreds of people heard the gospel preached on the beaches of Mallorca this summer. British student Charlie McCarthy was among the many volunteers who engaged in evangelism on the island, organised by Reach Mallorca. He explains what God did, and how engaging strangers in conversations about Jesus has grown his own faith
-
Real Life‘I spent my childhood in a Japanese prison. Then God sent me back as a missionary’
Basil Scott endured three “horrible” years inside a Japanese prisoner of war camp during the second world war. He explains how God later called him back to Asia, and why reconciliation is at the heart of the gospel
-
Real Life‘I encountered God through Psalm 23 in the midst of my cancer treatment’
When Alex MacDougall was diagnosed with cancer, his world fell apart. In the depth of painful treatment and uncertainty, he had a radical encounter with God. Here, he tells the story of how a psalm set to music brought him peace and hope
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2024 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud