Rounding out 2020 and marking the Advent season with a Bible Birth Story on the Birth of Christ. Really, this is more of a 'pregnancy' story than a birth story, but I enjoyed the alternate perspective. (And who knows? Perhaps we'll do Part 2 another time!) This isn't the mega-grand finale I hoped to share, but my prayer as always is that you'll be inspired and encouraged to dig into the Scriptures for yourself. Until Season 3, friends!

Liz gave birth to each of her three daughters in three very different environments! Hear Liz share about her waterbirth at home, a hospital birth with lacking care, and then a supportive hospital birth. But even with three different birth plans, Liz prepared the same way: by praying and trusting that God would answer her prayers. We also think through the question: I also prayed for a calm and peaceful birth, but it didn't go that way, why not? It's always wonderful to take time to reflect back on what God has done in our lives, and how it all works together for good.

To mark the Advent season, this is the first of two companion episodes examining the birth stories of John The Baptist and Jesus the Christ as recorded in Scripture. My husband Ben and I go through the passage together, pulling out themes of interest, asking questions, and sharpening our thinking. To get the most out of this episode, we encourage you to read Luke 1 before listening. Our hope is that this show will encourage your own Bible study and exploration of Scripture.

Birth is ordinary. Does that jarr you? I know I'm still feeling the aftershocks of that statement ever since my husband, Ben, articulated it to me. But I think his point is a compelling and biblical one, and I wanted to share it with you all! Oftentimes, we think that for birth to go 'well' or be 'beautiful', something miraculous needs to happen. We're looking for a heightened, spiritual experience. The reality is that God commonly, graciously, sovereignly works through ordinary circumstances to fill his promises. Together, we candidly and openly consider Scripture as we grapple with this thought. I hope it gives you as much food for thought as it did me!

By listener request, I hope this 'Bible Birth Story' will be the first of many on the podcast! Today my friend and fellow church member Brooke Goble joins me behind the mic and, together, we talk through the birth stories of Hagar and Sarah. For many of us, the Old Testament can be daunting. Our church has been teaching us how to study narrative so we can better understand such portions of the Bible. We thought recording a show together would be a great opportunity to exercise those study skills! This account is full of hope, drama, and God's faithfulness despite unfaithful people. As you listen, we hope you are encouraged in your own devotions!

Have you purchased the pregnancy pillow, taken the birth class, styled the nursery, but STILL feel unprepared for all parenting is about to throw at you? Friend, you are absolutely not alone. And Sarah Dargue's book Bumps, Babies and the Gospel might be just the remedy you're looking for! Sarah believes there is "no better preparation for having a baby and beginning the parenting journey, than what we are offered in Christ Himself." Her book is best described as 'a prenatal class for your heart' and I think that's just what the midwife ordered. Our conversation was delightful, heartfelt, and reflective. I hope you will enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording! Sarah's heart for the Lord and perspectives are a great encouragement.

Courtney Reissig is a wife, mother, writer, and speaker. She has authored several books, including Glory in the Ordinary and her recently released title, Teach Me To Feel. Courtney also serves as the Managing Director of Risen Motherhood. Courtney speaks candidly about her experience with infertility, miscarriage, and high-risk pregnancies on the podcast. Courtney saw the grace and sovereignty of God at work through her Cesarean births, and she offers her voice on the podcast to testify that the Lord is making all things new.

Courtney’s Website | http://courtneyreissig.com/

Courtney’s Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/courtneyreissig/ 

Risen Motherhood | https://www.risenmotherhood.com/

In today's show, podcaster and author Rebekah Hargraves joins us! Her birth stories could not be more different, but Oh! they are so deep and impactful. We talk homebirth, NICU, high-risk pregnancy, induction, and more. Rebekah's heart for helping moms to see the faults in fighting the mommy wars. We talk about pride in parenting, and how the Gospel offers us grace and the opportunity for repentance. Make sure you visit us on Instagram @bornagainbirth for a giveaway of Rebekah's book 'Lies Moms Believe (And How the Gospel Refutes Them)'. 

{Trigger Warning: Birth Trauma}

Nearly twenty years ago, Carlee Russell experienced a traumatic birth. Unfortunately, that was just the first of what would be a total of three difficult birth experiences. Carlee candidly shares about this time in life, and how she's processed that season of life in the years that followed. Carlee also answers deeply heart-felt and raw listener questions: Can a traumatic birth be beautiful? What makes birth beautiful in the light of the Gospel? What constitutes strength during birth? Why does sin come in and seemingly ‘tarnish’ some births, while others experience beauty, laughter, peace during their births? Especially for parents who have experienced a traumatic birth, our hope is that when you listen to this episode you will know you are not alone. Our hope is that you will see the heart of God for you during this time.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Born Again Birth Podcast! We're starting off with an episode incredibly precious to me, because I invited one of my very best friends in the world to be a guest! Brittany Arthur is a faithful follower of Jesus, a wife, a mother to four, and an accomplished professional who seeks to make much of Christ no matter the circumstance. In today's show, she discusses the bittersweet calling of foster care, the pain of infertility and miscarriage - including how her family has incorporated the memory of their daughter Katherine into their life. She discusses her three very different hospital birth stories, including managing a Gestational Diabetes diagnosis, and how her approach to birth has changed over the years. We also discuss how her husband's recent cancer diagnosis has given their family a new perspective on burnout and receiving help - words that all parents need to hear!