Guest Post - Chosen for Reagan

I asked my friend Stephanie from Chosen for Reagan to do a guest post on our blog. She is one of my favorite people in the world. She has walked with me through some very tough times the past 4 years. Because she is a trainer at my gym, she has encouraged/forced me to do things I would have thought were impossible. I am so blessed to call her a friend and I think you are going to love reading her story.

Monica

When I met Monica four years ago, she was a different person.

I was a different person.

Time has seasoned us with a bit of maturity {as only time can}.

It’s amazing what a few years insight can give to somebody. The passions, hobbies, and conversations I found to be captivating four years ago are completely different than what I find intriguing today.

Though that’s not why I’m different.

I’m a different person because of my life experiences. I’m a changed person because the grace of God has given me freedom to claim as mine through every single circumstance.

And I believe the same is true of Monica.

I am a 28-year-old woman who has been ridiculously blessed to be married to my best friend for the last 8 years. We have had our fair share of ups and downs as we have grown up together. We were nearly infants when we got married, after all.

Several years ago we realized our journey was going to include infertility.

Infertility doesn’t just produce grief over the loss of children you will never have. It magnifies any insecurity you may deal with. It gives enormous opportunity to learn how to be content in any and every circumstance. My battle with infertility has combated jealousy, sadness, comparison, and isolation.

As my husband and I walked through the frustrations of infertility, we saw God leading us on a new journey. A journey of faith, trust, and hope. Our hearts have experienced such healing as we saw God choosing to use us through adoption.

Monica and my struggles may look different from the outside.

But the thing is, they are the same.

My current favorite song is Noble Aim by Sleeping At Last. Much thanks to Monica for expanding my musical horizons!

The song so beautifully describes the fact that we are all the same. We all hurt the same. We ache the same. We desire the same. Our struggles may be disguised in various forms of hurts, addictions, and disappointments. But at the end of the day, we all desire to be loved and to have purpose.

I am so proud of my friend for finding the courage to share her story. Every time she shares her story, I am blessed. I am blessed because I am reading my own story.

It is one of faith, trust, and hope.

Stephanie