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Grace Amidst the Struggle: Finding Peace

Matt Edmundson

Guest: Jo Roper

Jo is an obstetric and gynaecology doctor who is married to Mark Roper, the leader of Fabric Church, Manchester (a plant of HTB) which she is also part of the leadership team for.

Jo’s parents had a long wait for children and this is part of the reason this issue has been laid on her heart. Although infertility has not been a personal issue she has faced, she has been alongside many of her close friends in the fertility journey and feels passionate about supporting and praying for people who are.

Jo now also helps to co-lead Waiting for Children - an HTB-led six week online course specifically designed to support christian couples facing challenges with fertility.

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Here’s a summary of this week’s story:

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, finding peace can seem like a herculean task. But what if peace is not something to be found in the absence of struggle, but rather something to be embraced amidst it? Despite not having personally experienced infertility, Jo has been deeply moved by the struggles of those around her. Her journey is a testament to finding peace and purpose in the midst of life's most challenging circumstances.

  • The Quest for Peace in Uncertainty

Jo's life story is marked by significant moments of uncertainty and change, not unlike the struggles of those dealing with infertility. She speaks candidly about not being particularly good at handling uncertainty and change. Yet, she underscores a profound truth: in moments of doubt and unpredictability, peace can still be a steadfast companion.

  • The Power of Faith

It is in the middle of life's storms that Jo has learned to lean into her faith. One of her favourite verses from the Psalms, "seek peace and pursue it," captures the essence of her approach to life. This pursuit of peace isn't a passive waiting but an active journey, often requiring a deep dive into faith.

  • Grace in the Midst of Struggle

Jo’s story is not just about finding peace; it's about discovering grace amidst the struggle. She talks about how God has managed to keep her going, even when she felt overwhelmed by the changes around her. This grace isn't just a soothing balm for the wounds of life; it is the strength to move forward.

  • Empathy Through Shared Experiences

There's a shared thread of experience in Jo’s narrative that resonates deeply. Whether it’s dealing with infertility or navigating other life changes, the feelings of uncertainty, waiting, and hoping are universal. Jo's story is a reminder that in our shared human experiences, there's a wellspring of empathy and understanding.

  • Invitation to a Journey of Faith

Jo’s insights are an invitation to all of us to view our struggles through the lens of faith. Her journey encourages us to embrace grace and find peace, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. It’s about trusting that, in the midst of our struggles, there is a peace that can calm our troubled waters and a grace that can carry us through.

Remember, in the journey of life, grace and peace are not just companions; they are our guides.

Links & Resources from today’s story

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