When Mark and I first got married, we didn't know what we would do for birth-control. I knew I didn't want to go on the pill, but decided to try it because it was the easiest choice. I didn't like being chemically controlled and felt as a Catholic, it wasn't the right choice. I don't think we realized what an important decision we were making when we decided against all birth control options.
It wasn't until the birth of our 2nd daughter that we really felt called to let God have more control in our life and our decisions. We've never been formally taught Natural Family Planning (NFP), but consider ourselves following God's plan for our life and family planning. We have always taken our wedding vows seriously, including "accepting children lovingly." Whenever we're asked, "if we're done," we answer, "we never say never."
As we've grown and our children have grown, we've learned how important the Church's teachings are to a strong marriage and family. It's easy to be open and honest with our children about our beliefs and choices when we know we follow the Church's teachings. Our choices have also taught our children the importance of right to life.
Being a part of IHM and involved in different ministries has strengthened our commitment to each other. We have seen the excitement and growing interest in NFP when working with couples preparing for marriage. Having an NFP team that is excited to share their stories and knowledge has started a change in how couples are beginning their married lives together. A change that enhances open, honest communication; respect for each other and Church teachings; and a firm, solid place to begin the foundation for marriage.
When we miscarried a few years ago, we prayed for God to help us and give us strength, and He did. We decided to let God have control of what would happen next. I had a hard time with this and decided to bargain with Him. I kept giving God deadlines to meet. You know, if I get pregnant this month then I promise I'll......... After a while I gave God one last deadline, my 40th b-day. In time I stopped my games and just thanked God for all I had. In time I forgot all about my deadlines, but God having a sense of humor did not. Our 4th daughter was born to indescribable joy and excitement, 9 months after my 40th b-day.
Natural Family Planning has helped cement our marriage in faith, hope and trust that God is always with us. We communicate more intimately because of it... something you can't get with contraceptives or sterilization. We are pleased that IHM is blessed with a wonderful NFP team to help and support our community in learning to use Natural Family Planning.
Due to world wide access of these sharings, last names have been omitted from our parishioner testimonies. Please do not reprint these sharings without permission. Please request permission for additional usage by contacting the Natural Family Planning Ministry Team. Thanks you.