I’ll celebrate my daughter’s birthday tomorrow. This might seem like a fairly ordinary occurrence. But it’s not to me. Because this is the girl God gave us after almost a decade of infertility. You can read our story here, but the short version is we met when Lovelle was twenty, she became ours at twenty-one, and tomorrow she will blow out twenty-five candles on her cake.
Because God is extravagant in His goodness, I’m not only a Mama now but also a Nana. Lovelle and her husband welcomed baby Eula Ellen (nicknamed “Ellie”) into their lives last August. God is in the details because August 28 is the day Lovelle officially took our last name. We call it “Gerth Day” and treat it like a holiday in our family. Ellie came on Gerth Day.
A few months after Ellie arrived, Lovelle and I were standing in the kitchen at my house. She asked, tentatively, “Does being around Ellie make you wish you had a baby of your own?”
I didn’t hesitate with my answer, “If God told me I could go back in time and choose to have a baby of my own or have grown-up you again, I’d pick you in a second. I wouldn’t even have to think about it.” This is the gut-honest truth. This is redemption. This is God doing heart-healing in ways I never knew were possible until I lived it.
I share this because you may be coming up on a milestone, too. Only you may not be on the other side of the answered prayers yet. You may still be in the ugly-cry-in-the-bathroom, stare-at-the-negative-pregnancy-test part of the journey. Or you could be experiencing another kind of barrenness in your life — a door to a job that just won’t open, a relationship that seems to have no life left in it, a dream that seems to be slipping away forever.
If so I want to whisper, so gently, don’t give up yet. I will never, ever tell you not to cry or rant or hide under the covers when you need to. Feel all the feelings. Say all the things. Just know that underneath all of that there can still be hope. God isn’t finished with your story yet.
It turns out Lovelle is a writer and speaker, too. She said this in a blog post: “As I find myself looking back on my past and all the things that have happened to me, I can’t help but wonder why things had to go the way they did…. Are you frustrated with the way your life is looking right now? Are you losing your grasp on contentment? Are you trying to read too much into how God is working in your life? I want you to know that God doesn’t waste anything. Even if you are doing something you feel is useless, God has a plan and it will come to pass. That’s the promise I am believing today and my prayer is that you do the same.”
Yes, tomorrow I will celebrate my daughter’s birthday. I will celebrate the beautiful, kind, strong young woman I waited on for so many years. I will celebrate the family God has given us. I will celebrate the God who knows the desires of our hearts even better than we do, who is still writing all our stories in wild and mysterious ways today.
Happy Birthday, Lovelle. You will always be one of the best gifts God has ever given me.
P.S. Would you like to celebrate Lovelle’s birthday with our family? One way you can do so is by joining us in partnering with Compassion International to empower little girls in poverty to grow up to be fiercehearted women.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
I had to go back a re-read the section where you told us about reassuring Lovelle that she is not second best, not just a consolation prize for all those years of infertility, but, rather, God’s good answer to your heart’s longing. So beautiful–and such clear evidence that God is in the healing business. May He help us to receive with joy the given without dimming its luster by comparing it to what has been withheld for His good reasons which we may never know.
Lori Hutson says
What a blessing and encouraging story! May God bless you today on your birthday and your precious little girl is the continuation of God’s great story. Enjoy every moment because kids grow up fast. Thank you for sharing it’s exactly what I needed today and reminded “How Great is our God”.
Carla M. Beam says
Well said!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Holley,
I used to wonder why I had to go through 26 years of an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage?, why I continue to live with anxiety and depression?, why I had five surgeries with challenging recoveries?, why I’ve had to pray many years for a prodigal child?, why certain heartbreaks have been allowed to enter my life?? Their will always be mystery to God’s ways, but I know that I wouldn’t have the deep and intimate relationship I have with God, nor would I have learned utter reliance and dependence upon God had I not gone through these experiences. I KNOW His faithfulness first hand and I know He can restore the years the locusts have eaten. I know sheer joy because it has been layered over deep pain. There are things I will never know, but these are the things I DO know thanks to God’s redeeming love.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Holley Gerth says
Such a beautiful, powerful perspective Bev.
Carla M. Beam says
Bev, my Mom endured 34 yrs. of neglectful, abusive marriage to my Dad before he contracted cancer and allowed her to lead him to Christ. 3 yrs later, he went home. Had she left him, her dream of leading him to the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior would likely never have happened.
A long 3 yrs. later she met and married a good, kind man. Donald takes care of her exactly as she always desired to be cared for.
Yes, His redeeming love is truly amazing!
Claire says
I have always loved the story about how you became Lovelle’s mother, but this is the first time I’ve read it from your perspective. And I never knew that your granddaughter was born on the anniversary of Lovelle taking your last name. Thank you for sharing these amazing details!
Holley Gerth says
Thanks for celebrating with us, Claire!
Tina Storms says
Thank you for sharing your awesome God story. I praise Him for His extreme attention to detail that reaches our hearts.
Sandy says
Thank you for your testimony of faithfulness and love. I’m sitting at work crying at the beauty of your words.
Marcella Snyder says
Thank you for your encouraging words stating the truth that our God is able! I lost my husband a few months ago and I am in transition and grief so your article reminded me of just what an awesome, loving God we serve.
Holley Gerth says
So sorry for the loss of your husband, Marcella. Praying God comforts you tenderly today.
Beth Williams says
Marcella,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. Praying for God’s peace & comfort to cover you mind, body & soul! Know that God is with you always!! Cry out to Him & He will help you.
(((((Hugs)))))
Carla M. Beam says
May you experience days of peace so apparent you can reach out and hold it in your hand. Days of such gentlness you want to weap sweet tears of pure gratitude. Times of closeness to Jesus so complete you feel His warm breath as He whispers, “I love you.” May you know His provision in the in between times, unexpected glimpses of miracles only you would recognize, and an awakening to the simple pleasures all around you. And when He calls you to spend time with Him, go along. He always has something of eternal wealth to impart.
Prayers for you as you navagate this necessary time of spending the accumulated memories of your lives together, as you settle into your new normal.
Joey Rudder says
What a beautiful story and what a beautiful family!! And what you wrote, “God isn’t finished with your story yet” had me in tears. Thank you. I needed those words. I needed the hope shining out of them. God bless you, Holley, and your wonderful family!
Kelly says
Thank you for this timely post.. i WILL get back up & keep putting one foot in front of the other..
Carla M. Beam says
He’s smiling down on you.
Patrice Van Dyke says
A touching story. I struggled with infertility and miscarriages after I had my first child. I knew I was selfish because I had one child and many had none, but I still felt cheated. I wanted a bigger family. As the years passed, God gave me a peace about the size of my family. My son and I have a very close relationship. Through a divorce and remarriage, God answered my prayer for a larger family. He gave me two more children who I love – and one is a daughter! We are close and it means so much to have a mother-daughter relationship. We never know when and where God will answer our prayers, but we can be sure He is always there and working things out for the best. Thanks for sharing your story. I know it will bless and help others.
Holley Gerth says
I love how God grew your family too!
Carla M. Beam says
We truly never know how our prayers will be answered. But we can be assured his answers will always be for our good.
Thank you, as well, for sharing.
Sue says
A beautiful story of redeeming love and grace. Thank you Holley. Will share.
Nancy Ruegg says
Your story brings tears to my eyes, Holley, because God’s wisdom, grace, power, and blessing are so evident through every event that brought Lovelle, her husband, and Ellie into your lives. Thank you, too, for drawing our attention to important, hope-filled truths: 1) God performs heart-healings in mind-boggling ways. 2) Don’t give up; God isn’t finished with our stories yet. 3) God doesn’t waste anything. What’s happening today (or NOT happening!) may very well be preparation for what’s coming. Thank you for such uplifting encouragement!
Carla M. Beam says
True story!
Kristin Hill Taylor says
You know I love this story so much. Thanks for continuing to share the beauty in God’s redemption! xo
Ashley Rowland | HISsparrowBlog says
Holley, this post brought tears to my eyes. It’s so encouraging.
I’m in the space where I want a child of my own so badly, but I know God has a plan I can’t see. And His plans are always better than my own. He’ll bring me through this just like He’s brought me through everything else in my life.
Thank you for the glimpse into your mother story and for the hope you’ve shown me today.
I am planning an infertility post – probably next week, would you mind if I linked to this post?
Holley Gerth says
I’d be honored. Thanks!
Mary Geisen says
God is not finished with your story yet. The truth in those words is one inremind myself of and pray others know too. I love how God redefines family in different seasons of our lives. He gave you such a beautiful gift when he chose Lovelle for you and your husband. Thank you for sharing this today.
Pam says
What an amazing testimony several times over demonstrating God’s faithfulness for paths we could not have expected, but He chose for us. What a beautiful 3 generation family! What an inspiring story!
Denise Haley says
Thank you for sharing. Your words truly speak to my heart. God knows our desires and needs; and I firmly believe that He works in wondrous ways.
Becky Steinberger says
Oh my Holly, What a great story. It brought tears to my eyes.
I am one who was never able to have children. We did try the adoption but due to my husband being gone (Navy) we could never get the home study done. Then there was a long separation and by the time we got back together we were different people. Oh we still wanted kids but it wasn’t like most people do it. We are from a large family and we have several nieces and nephews.(26 nieces and nephews who are having children- so the greats are 50 with one great great!) I loved what you said about being a momma to others. I am also a Sunday School teacher and have led many children to the Lord and had an impact on lots of lives. Some are still in my life today! So God may not have given me a child of my heart nor do I like to celebrate Mother’s day for that reason, I am still loving on children! Thanks again for the reminder that God isn’t finished with our story!
Holley Gerth says
You are absolutely a Mama who has nurtured many.
ann says
Many years ago when I was single and not sure what to do with my life, God told me I would be a “mother to hundreds.” So strange, because although I loved children, I wasn’t sure I actually wanted any of my own. (a long story) But that lead me to be a teacher and I have been a “mother to many.” Fast forward many years and I am married with 2 wonderful boys and 6 miscarriages. I asked God about a daughter and He said “how about a daughter-in-law that has no mother?” (Me, even better!) God works things in ways I will never understand, and He does not waste one hurt!
Jan Buckman says
Thank you, Holly, for sharing that beautiful story of God’s Love & Grace. Couldn’t help notice that it did include that long waiting period, which is so often the case. I know that is God’s way of growing us in our faith, and I also know that it is not an easy lesson. Just wanted to wish you all HAPPY GERTH DAY! And HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY TO Lovelle! You are so right when you say that God does heart-healing in ways that we never imagined were possible. He is a Good, Good Father!
Carol Ann says
How blessed I am to “know you Holley…I can hear your Heart going directly to my Heart through your words” always at just the right moments … there you are … sharing how I am feeling that particular dayor ❣️
I am so Grateful to God for you✝️
Moira Raines says
I had the privilege of meeting Lovelle at Camp War Eagle in 2014. The only summer we worked there and I am so grateful for that summer. We have remained in contact since. I became a mommy in November and Lovelle has given me so much advice and clothes and more- before and after I had my little girl. She listens and encourages and talks about the stuff no one else wants to talk about and I appreciate that about her. She is a gem. I’m constantly amazed at where she’s come from and how far she’s come and her faithfulness to the Lord. Her story (and yours) is so inspiring. I love seeing how Jesus has worked through the two of you.
Holley Gerth says
Aww, so fun that you and Lovelle know each other. 🙂
Connelly Corry says
Thank you for sharing your story. I also have a story to share and am struggling with how to tell it and share it with others. I saw that you are a writer and would like to know how you got started and if you had any suggestions for me?
Holley Gerth says
Hey Connelly! When I get asked this question I recommend two great resources that are so helpful. This first is hope*writers (their free podcast is a great place to start–so much good info!) and Compel training by Proverbs31. You can find both online.
Loretta Hazeltine says
Don’t worry about the words…listen to your heart. Everything else will follow.
Janet says
Thank you for sharing your heart-beautiful!
Nancy says
Thank you for your honesty. It’s so refreshing.
Penny says
Holley.
Thank-you for sharing your touching story. Your lovely picture shows that you were all meant to be together just the way God intended for you to be.
Blessings to you and your family…
Penny
(Blessings to all)
Karen Knowles says
Amen to all these comments! Such an uplifting story, Holley. Beautiful photo too!
Margot Still says
Struggling to understand the path I am on, glimpses of joy & happiness make it more painful when the glimpses fade away. Thank you for this word of encouragement.
Vicki Silvey says
I love this so much, Holley! It blesses my heart and reminds me of God’s faithfulness, even when things don’t make sense along the way.
Nasreen Fynewever says
Celebrating the women you both are. Your hearts remind many to hope.
Jenny K says
I listened to “Trust” by Hillsong Young and Free on my way into work today, and your lives are just a beautify story of this kind of trust in God – I saved it in my bookmarks because this is a message I need to be reminded of again and again. Thank you!
“The only thing I know
Is God you’re in control
In every little detail
You are close
I’ll never be alone
Here in the unknown
The power of Your Presence
Fills my soul”
Laura Gam says
Thank you, Holly, for ALWAYS encouraging my heart. Today’s devotion was yet another time God used your words about “staying the course” to spur me on to keep trusting in the waiting period of my life. We are waiting on God’s timing for my husband to finish his seminary degree and pastor. Both of our hearts burn for the souls of men. In God’s time… May God continue to shower you and your precious family with blessings from above.
Beth Williams says
Holley,
I loved following your story with Lovelle. It brings forth a great truth. We need to keep on praying for God to answer our prayers. He will answer in His time & His ways. My life verse comes to mind: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you & not to harm you. To give you a hope & a future.” We all will go through hard times & places. I was in a hard place for 4 years. There were times all I could do was cry out to God “help me”, “why this?” “What’s next?”. Through those wilderness years I learned to depend more on God. He showed me that I am stronger & smarter than I ever imagined myself. He allowed me to witness a miracle. His ways are higher & better than we could ever imagine!
Blessings 🙂
Rhonda says
One of your best posts, Holley! You are now Mama and Nana! Oh, what incredible joy is in store for you in these roles! What beautiful gifts you have received in Lovelle and Ellie! And, what a powerful message of encouragement you bring to other women who struggle through infertility! God is into their life details, writing their stories with His reckless love! Look what He has done with yours! ✝️
Braveheart says
Congratulations, Holley! Your stories, insights, life lessons are always inspiring and -faith-stretching.
I am so happy to read this.
Yvonne
Nancy says
My precious daughter, age 24, died 5 weeks ago, and my heart is shattered. I don’t know the story of how you came to meet Lovelle and adopt her at age 20…. I so miss having a daughter. I would love to hear this story.
Rhonda says
I was reading replies to Holley’s post, and came across yours and wanted to offer my extreme sympathies to you. Give yourself time to “feel all the feelings,” and in time, please get connected with people who have also felt those feelings. Maybe in a grief group (at a local church). Praying for you. ✝️
Nancy says
Thank you, Rhonda.
Rhonda Haley says
Thank you for sharing. It has touched me in ways I cannot explain. Thank you for reminding me that God has it all under control and all I have to do is wait.
Liz says
Thank-you for this Beautiful story about God, Lovelle, Ellie and Your family!!! Touched my heart….God id soo AMAZING!!!
Susan G. says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELLE! And thank you for this today Holley. Life is never what we expect it to be but when we are following Jesus, it’s just what He wanted it to be. Not always perfect in our minds, but He makes it all perfect in the end.
I love that you are inviting people to sponsor a Compassion child here. There are so many children in need around the world. I sponsor 4 children at the moment (and have sponsored 4 children that ‘graduated’ from the program). I love them all and have prayed (and cried) over them often. I am praying millions more people would sponsor children and we could really make a difference in the world!
Blessings to you, Lovelle and your whole family!
Caroline says
Holly
I have followed your story from here in the UK … my word from God this year was HOPE .. one of my daughters is at the present time struggling with life, we received the phone call at the weekend ‘mum I am struggling’ so swooped down like a helecopter picked her up from London and have just ‘been’ with her this weekend .. she has historically suffered from mental health issues … I am supporting her in the only way I know … loving, praying, cooking her favourite meals .. but I am also weeping ( a lot ) my HOPE is in God who has this, so your post today has given me the confidence to know that he is bigger than my worries, anxieties, and will work all this for good,… thank you for this encouragement today
Pam in Colorado says
Hi Holley, Lovelle & Ellis,
What a joy-filled and uplifting miracle from God! It was a blessing to hear at this moment in my life and I’m so incredibly HAPPY for all of you which brings happiness to me as well. Just a few words from my heart (with tears) as I feel speechless. The replies you received from Nancy Reugg and from Joey Rudder were both exactly what I’m feeling. Thank you so much for sharing your blessing!
Carlie Guenther says
I cannot even believe what I just read. A friend shared this with me and I was not prepared for this story in my groggy, half delirious state after being awoken by my toddler.
God gave me my momma at 21 years old. I’m 27 now and my parents became grandparents to my little boy in 2016.
My mom’s name is…..
Holley.
I’m speechless. Can we all be best friends?!
Brenda says
Thank you, Holley. I think I needed to hear this. It’s been a rough year for our son who’s struggling with depression and anxiety. And, this mama is downright drained right now. Adrenaline can only carry you so far, ya know?
It’s probably too long of a story for a comment, so I’ll not go into detail, but, your daughter’s words, “…even if you feel like you’re doing something that is useless…” — those words were meant for me today. Thank you for this perfectly timely reminder.
I haven’t been getting by here (incourage) as much lately as I’d like to. I’ve been missing all the sweet writers and all the words of life found in this space. (Honestly, I haven’t been getting by too many places the last few weeks. The struggle is real. I’m a weary mama at the moment.)
Anyway, happy birthday to your daughter. Your testimony of unexpected life and kinship is one of my favorites. He brings the best gifts in ways we never see coming. ♥ To God be the glory.
Maree Dee says
Happy Birthday, Lovelle! Thank you Holley and Lovelle for both being willing to be vulnerable. Yes, God uses everything for his good. I love hearing about the two of you. You both are such an example of what God can do if we are willing. God bless you both.
Rosemary Everson says
Happy Birthday Lovelle. God Bless you and your family. We have an amazing God. He is always with us no matter what the circumstance is…..he sees us through the most difficult times. Thank you for your blogs. Love reading them.