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A Common Thread
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A Common Thread is a collection of sixteen brave and honest accounts of fertility issues and miscarriage. Each journey is unique, yet each chapter truthfully expresses the heartfelt highs and lows experienced, how faith has been affected, and how God has brought the sojourner through. Although the physical, emotional and mental toll can be unbearable for those who find themselves facing these battles, there is hope.
Within these pages you will read the stories of those who have experienced successful IVF, failed IVF, multiple miscarriages, miscarriage after having children, adoption, miracle births and those who have never been able to have children.
Although we all experience the journey differently, we all share "a common thread" of understanding. You are not alone.
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ENDORSEMENTS
My friendship with Catherine began simplywith "a common thread." I had suffered the loss of a baby in the womb in the early 1970's. And Catherine, a young, vibrant woman with her own story of loss, had come across my little book, Jesse Found in Heaven, and was touched. From there, our connection of encouragement began.
At the time--with the promise of a healthy birth still an unfulfilled dream in her heart, I was drawn to Catherines contagious optimism and delightful spirit of faith for others. I admired her compassion and loved the fact that she was helping so many through her "Thursdays Babies" newsletters. She was encouraging, believing, informing, and connecting with those whose experiences could be expressed in their own voices, in a safe place where they would be heard.
When I met Catherine and her husband Julian in Sydney, they were believing to conceive, again. We joined in prayer and outside that little cafe, we shared a clear sense they would hold a "bonny" baby in their arms! Sure enough, they conceived and are now the proud parents of adorable wee Estella and Skyler!
As you will discover, Catherine's book is the story of her influence on the lives of other women to never give up in the face of adversity... to worship the Lord in the midst of the storm... to find strength in female friendship, and to cleave to the absolute that "God is Good" no matter what the circumstance.
May you find the story you need to find... meet the women you need to meet... hear the words you so need to hear, and see the God who sees and loves you so.
Chris Pringle, Senior Pastor, C3 Church Oxford Falls, Sydney, Australia
This book is a rare treasure, filled with stories of real women who have had the courage to share their journeys of hope and hope lost. As a mother, a sister, a friend, and pastor, I have stood alongside many women whose dreams of motherhood had seemed to forever slip away
I have wept with them, and I have rejoiced with them when, for many, their longings were eventually fulfilled.
A Common Thread offers encouragement, hope, and strength in such a deeply personal way to those who dream of motherhood and those who stand alongside them
Helen Burns, Senior Pastor Relate Church, Vancouver, Canada
A candid, courageous, and heartfelt account of the lonely journey of loss, pain, and disappointment. We see that no two journeys or outcomes are exactly the same as we walk in our unique circumstances in the light of the revelation we possess. The grip of unspoken fears are loosened as they are voiced in these accounts. Catherine beautifully takes us to life beyond a broken heart to one that is defined by God. It will bless you!
Cathy Clarke, alongside her husband, Gary, Lead Pastors of Hillsong Church, London, UK
Catherine Sylvester is an incredible woman of faith, wisdom, tenacity, and love, and her life story is one which yells, There is hope! even when the gift of hope may not have always come wrapped the way she expected it to. I count it an honour to call her a very, very dear friend I have seen her journey, I have felt her pain, and I have celebrated her victories! Her story, along with the other very real and honest journeys told in this book, will move your heart to its very core. This is a must-read!!
Libby Huirua, Pastor and Worship Leader, Equippers Church, Auckland, New Zealand
Catherine Sylvesters book, A Common Thread, is a wonderful compilation of many different peoples journeys in dealing with fertility issues. As she states in her introduction, she did not want to write a how-to book to deal with the struggles of infertility. I know that anyone on such a journey themselves will find comfort, support, and affirmation. Written large in these stories is pain, sorrow, frustration, and profound joy; but most important are the faith statements that testify to Gods love and faithfulness towards us. I highly recommend this book to all struggling with their own fertility journey.
Dr. William G. Dodds
Associate Professor, Michigan State University
Director of Reproductive Medicine, The Fertility Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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