These stories aren’t perfect. Chances are, they’ve been worn and weathered by the storm of life. The pages may be tearstained and smudged, holding the weight of both triumphs and sorrows, laughter and pain. But through it all, these life stories point to the goodness of One greater than ourselves. A testament to the God who is with us in the fire and the storms, the valleys and the mountaintops.
This is what I pray you find here, sweet friend. A messy and imperfect blog, steeped in grace and wrapped in the comforting presence of a God who loves and draws us to Him.
I started blogging in 2014 after the stillbirth of our son, Landon. Over the following four years, we’d go on to experience an additional four, first-trimester miscarriages. This story of heartbreak and devastation brought forth my book, Embrace: Clinging to Christ Through the Pain of Pregnancy Loss. In the depths of the storm, that rain watered such incredible seeds of hope and promise.
This blog is dedicated to those still searching for hope. For those with open hands and heavy hearts. Exploring faith and motherhood, grief and joy — we search for the glorious, everyday beauty found in the story we’ve been given.
Life is better in community, and I am so glad you’re here.
– Liz Mannegren
Here are some of the other places my writing has appeared:
Break the Parenting Mold:
Where Once There Were Two, There Is Now Only One
Christ City Church:
When Devotions Aren’t Pretty
Coffee & Crumbs:
Waiting on You
The Water, the Stones, and A Psalm
Courageous Mothers Community:
Hope Lives On
“From Mother to Mother On the Loss of A Child.” Book by Emily Long.
Contributor: A Letter to a Loss Mama
Her View From Home:
To the Mama Who’s Still Waiting
(Originally posted on MommyMannegren as “In the Wait.”)
Don’t All Babies Go to Heaven?
When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned
To My Husband, As I Grieve Our Miscarriage
To The Suddenly Unemployed Spouse
Yep, I Love the Olympic Games
(Originally posted on MM as “Why, Despite All, I Love the Olympics“)
Never Underestimate the Value of Beige Underwear — Or the Friend Who Shares Them
Siblings Share A Bond For Life
Loss Mama, You Were Meant For Twins Too
To the Mother Worrying About the Age Gap
Dear Mama, This Is Your Night Song
A Grandmother’s Gift From Heaven
Juliet Rose Boutique:
He Is Able
If The Stars Were Made To Worship Then So Will I
Love What Matters:
When people find out we’re expecting, they say “Wow You’re Brave.”
Mamalode:
The Lopsided Breastfeeder’s Club
When You Don’t Know What to Say
(Originally posted on MommyMannegren as “Things to Avoid Saying…“)
Michaela Evanow:
This is Motherhood {too}: A Journey Through Twin-to-Twin-Transfusion
Ohbeehave
Miscarriage: We’re In This Together
(Originally posted on MommyMannegren as, “Let’s Talk…“)
Pregnancy After Loss: The Chance To Love Again
Pregnancy Loss Journey:
4 Weeks: Liz and the Story of Avonlea
31 weeks: Liz’s Story
Scary Mommy:
Feeling Like The World’s Worst Mother
Servant Magazine (Prairie College):
The Happiest, Darkest Day (Pages 13-14)
SheLoves Magazine:
Pumpkin Patch and Pregnancy Loss
Spill It Mom Blog:
Dear Mom in the Midst of Grief
Still Standing Magazine:
10 Ways to Honor Your Miscarried Baby on Their Due Date
Giving Yourself Grace During a Pregnancy After Loss
6 Things You Should Know About Pregnancy Loss
Is It Really Possible to Find Beauty Amidst Tragedy
Coping with Summer After Loss: How Seasons Affect Grief
The Month That Hurts The Most
Your Still Beautiful Story
TTTS Parents:
Alistair and Landon
Work Has Also Appeared On:
Facebook Post on “Mom-Guilt and Parenting Through the Bad Days” appeared on: APlus.Com, PopSugar Moms, Romper, Dearly.com, Cafe Mom, Mommyish,
Little Things, Mirror.co.uk