While having never met in the flesh, this sweet soul is a kindred spirit. A lover of helping others connect deeply with God, she’s the creator of inspiring (and super comfy) tees, and has a passion for supporting global bible translation efforts.
Speaker and small-business owner, this wife and momma is on a mission.
Meet Sarah…
What’s your story, morning glory?
We have recently experienced some unexpected suffering. After a summer full of faith-filled adventures with a cancer scare sandwiched in between, we were very shocked to find out that I am pregnant. I am 36, and we have an 8-year-old son. This pregnancy is a complete miracle from God, after being told by doctors that we would not be able to have more children. We had a beautiful week of celebration and thanksgiving. Then everything changed.
I started having severe abdominal pain and low fevers. I could barely eat and soon transitioned to a liquid diet. We went through the gamut of testing: sonograms to rule out ectopic pregnancy, other sonograms to rule out an ovarian cyst, appendicitis or kidney stones, lots and lots of blood work, and even parasite testing. So far, our doctors haven’t found anything definite.
We felt elated about the pregnancy, but at the same time overwhelmed and weary from the sickness. Eight weeks of intermittent fever has taken its toll on our family. By the grace of God, we are seeing much improvement in my health, for which we are very thankful.
What did you discover about yourself during this time?
I’m so thankful I’ve had opportunities in the past to practice perseverance. With God’s help, and only when I lean on Him, I can make it through hard things without feeling like I’m totally falling apart. I’m ready for this season to end, but I can also see how God used this season for good.
I also learned that there are always more layers of things in my heart that I need to surrender. I thought I had surrendered everything, but at that first sonogram appointment, I learned that I was still feeling afraid. Four years ago we suffered a miscarriage at 11 weeks. I would have told you that I had released that fear, but I’ve been learning that I have more to surrender to God. I’ve had to surrender this baby over to God every single day. Sometimes multiple times a day.
What did you discover about God’s character through this process?
He is so faithful. As I’ve experienced in the past, He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in Him. (Isaiah 26:3) He has been so near to my family through this time, and that is such a gift.
What helped you most practically during this season?
I’ve had so many people praying for me, and I can feel it. I love it when friends text me to ask how I’m feeling and let me know they are praying for me. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this — a feeling that comes easily since I’ve had to spend so much time resting at my house. We joke that this is a community baby, because so many people having been praying for protection for our child.
How has it shaped your passion or clarified your mission today?
I needed to make some changes with my t-shirt ministry, Heart Work Tees. This experience made it easier for me to take a break from the t-shirts. I’ve been working on a really exciting project — teaching women how to pray the Psalms, wrestle well with God when things are tough, and then share that knowledge with their children. I’ve spent so much time in prayer through this sickness, clinging to the truths provided in the Psalms. It has reminded me of the importance of drawing near to God in times of suffering and confirmed my passion for teaching women how to deeply connect with God.
What would you say to a woman facing a similar struggle or circumstance?
It’s going to be OK. This is a season. Even though it feels like the hardest thing to do when you are hurting, run to God and pour out your pain to Him. He can take it, and it’s so worth it. He will give you the grace you need to get through one day at a time.
Is there a favorite scripture or quote you’ve clung to?
“Why are you downcast, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 42:5-6a
That word “hope” means “wait.” This has been a season of waiting for God. We have been waiting for God to answer our prayers and heal me. Waiting is hard, but God is worth it.
What are two things you are loving right now?
- Audible books – One of the blessings of having to rest is time to listen to books. Even though I felt too sick to read, I could easily listen while I was in bed. I’ve listened to The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom, The Con Man’s Daughter by Candice Curry, and Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honeggar. Each book was really amazing and inspirational in its own way.
- Zevia sodas – I have recently discovered this brand of sodas that are flavored with stevia. The cream soda variety is my favorite. It’s so delicious, and it has zero sugar! That’s my indulgent pregnancy snack!
Where can we find you online?
Instagram (where I spend the most time): @heartworktees | Facebook: Heart Work Tees | Website: heartworktees.com
