To hope…
hope /hōp/ n. : A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen - a feeling of trust.
How often have you let yourself hope for something?
How often have you been disappointed?
How often have you built a sturdy fortress around your heart, guarding it from feeling any ounce of excitement - protecting it from shattering into a million pieces?
For those who are experiencing infertility in their marriage, “hope” can feel like a dirty word.
How much devastation, disappointment, and anguish can your heart truly handle?
After 6 years of trying to start their own family, Tyler and Danelle Beckstrand are all too familiar with this dilemma.
As they shared with us their journey, they explained that hope is on a pendulum. If you’re only a little bit excited for something, then you’re only a little bit disappointed when it doesn’t happen.
It’s terrifying to let yourself hope! It’s scary to allow the unknown to have a permanent spot at your table. It takes an intense amount of vulnerability to let yourself feel.
The only problem is, if you downplay your emotions, guard your heart, or protect yourself from feeling, you won’t experience the intense amount of joy, happiness and excitement that is waiting on the other side of uncertainty.
Danelle and Tyler are all in.
They made the conscious decision to be over-the-moon excited for the family they will one day have.
They understand that you must risk it all to have it all.
“It’s exhilarating to think that we are ready to have our hearts broken - to put it back on God because we know that He can pick up the pieces.” - Danelle Beckstrand
To have this mentality requires an incredible amount of faith.
Faith to let go of what you can’t control.
Faith to trust in God’s timing.
Faith that there is growth in anguish.
Faith in the healing power of the Atonement.
Life’s uncertainties can often leave you fearful. Fearful to move forward - to make decisions; fear of failure or disappointment.
Faith and hope are the antidotes of this fear.
As Thomas S Monson once said,
I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.
My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.
Are you all in?
About Our Guests
Danelle and Tyler Beckstrand
Photo Credit Kaitlyn Harris Photography
Tyler and Danelle Beckstrand met in a college math class at Utah State University (go Aggies!) They got married in 2011 and graduated together a few years later. The plan was to have babies right away but they found themselves dealing with unexplained infertility. After six years of trying to build their family, they decided adoption was their next step. In May 2019 they experienced their first failed adoption but came back more determined than ever!
Although there are many unknowns in this journey, they are anxious, and ready, to give all their love to the lives that enter into theirs. They look forward to starting new family traditions and excitedly await all the giggles and smiles to come.
Show Notes
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The incredible photos on this site were generously donated by the incredibly Talented Scott Jarvie. Hire him for your wedding or purchase his beautiful book, Mormon Temples in America.
