Having Faith in Building a Family

I grew up in a very faith-based family. Every Sunday, we gathered at our church, attended a Christian school that included weekly mass, prayed before every meal, and thanked God before bed each night. This routine was woven into the fabric of my childhood, shaping my understanding of faith as a guiding force in our lives.

To me, faith has always had a religious component. It's a connection to something greater than ourselves, a trust in a higher power. I understand that religion has its complexities and biases, I do not find myself focusing on these and instead the belief that God loves all and he is ever-present. However, I recognize that faith can mean different things to different people. When starting a family I relied on faith. It took many forms—belief in my husband, confidence in my own body to carry a child, reliance on my health care team, and trust in the universe (God’s) timing. As I embarked on the journey of starting my own family, I discovered just how essential faith would be in every aspect.

For us, getting pregnant wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. I felt like I had it all—my Doctorate degree, a loving husband, a nice house, and a good-paying job. My life seemed perfectly aligned, and naturally, the next step in my timeline was to start a family. Yet, month after month, I faced disappointment. I found myself pleading with God, questioning why we couldn’t conceive. Each negative test felt like a weight pressing down on my heart, and doubt began to creep in. My mom continued to remind me to maintain faith, saying “in God’s time“.

Throughout this struggle, I had to cultivate faith in various forms. I learned to trust in my body, even when it felt like it was letting me down. I had to lean on my husband, relying on his support as we navigated this emotional terrain together. Most importantly, I had to maintain my faith in God, believing that He was devising a plan for us, even when the path felt unclear.

And then, just when we started to move forward with a reproductive endocrinologist, a miracle happened. On a Friday night, I saw that positive test result—an unexpected gift after so many months of waiting. In that moment, all my doubts faded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It was a testament to the power of faith and patience, a reminder that only God truly knows what lies ahead.

Throughout my pregnancy, maintaining my faith was essential. The first trimester often filled me with fears and doubts, constantly questioning, “Is this real?” I wanted to do everything possible to ensure the baby was okay, even though I had no real control. As the second trimester progressed, I found myself giving thanks to God for the growth each week brought. In the third trimester, I continued to turn to Him, feeling His grace in every kick and movement of my little one. 

Now that my son is here, I find myself reflecting on how I want to raise him. I’m eager to teach him about God’s love, just as my parents taught me. The traditions of going to church on weekends and praying before meals are not just rituals; they are practices that built strength and resilience within my family. They are the threads that wove us together, offering support in difficult times and gratitude in joyful moments.

As I embark on this new chapter, I aim to create a home where faith is lived and honored. I want my son to understand that faith can be a source of comfort and strength, especially during challenging times. Whether it’s facing uncertainties or celebrating milestones, I hope he learns to find solace in belief, just as I did.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may be on a similar journey. Whether you’re grappling with infertility, navigating the complexities of family life, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your faith, remember that faith can manifest in many ways. It can guide you through uncertainty, support you in moments of doubt, and ultimately lead you to the joy you seek.

Building a family is a profound journey filled with highs and lows. Embracing faith—however you define it—can help illuminate the path ahead. Trust in your journey, nurture your relationships, and keep faith close to your heart. After all, it’s in this space of faith that we often find our greatest strength.

-Emily Davis