Melissa Orr's Weblog

I recently gave birth to my fourth child (second miscarriage). I was five months pregnant. It was our first daughter and we named her Bethany.

When I went into labor the baby had no heartbeat and was pronounced dead. I was in labor for two days and had plenty of time to consider. I have honestly weighed the matter and can think of few things more difficult than laboring for a dead baby. Enduring labor pains and leaving the hospital empty-handed is miserable and utterly tragic. Pregnancy is not my “cup of tea,” but it is more than made up for with the fruit and joy of a child in the end. However, my pregnancy would have no such joyful ending. As I drew near to delivery, I felt a deep empathy for the trees, the grass, the sun. What anticipation they must feel. All of creation is also in the midst of birth pains. How tragic it would be if the end of the age were a miscarriage! Creation would have endured such futility and agony for a fruitless and joyless end. But this cannot be, for there will be a Son. And He is alive. Jesus is coming!

So, let us push, you and I, and bring forth the end. Then we shall rest.