He Remembers the Barren

He Remembers the Barren

HE REMEMBERS THE BARREN by Katie Schuermann is a tender conversation with women in the church who wrestle with the issue of barrenness in marriage. Addressing questions frequently asked by those struggling with infertility, the author walks alongside the reader, relaying personal stories to both encourage and support those who are suffering. Issues such as control of our bodies, family planning, and the source of conception are examined through a theological lens, reminding the reader of her clear vocation in Christ and pointing her to the ultimate source of fruitfulness, vitality, and comfort, our Triune God.<br /><br />With Psalm readings, beloved hymn texts, and collects penned by Dcs. Melissa A. Degroot, each chapter of HE REMEMBERS THE BARREN resonates on a devotional level that is pitch perfect for women struggling with the grief and shame which often accompany barrenness. This book also serves as a valuable resource for pastors, family members, and friends seeking to better understand the barren experience of a loved one.<br /><br />What people are saying:<br /><br />“HE REMEMBERS THE BARREN by Katie Schuermann is a gift. It is a gift for men and women who cry and hope and pray for children. It is a gift for mothers and fathers who don’t know how to care for those who aren’t. Thank you, Katie, for helping me understand what to say and how to pray for those who are barren. Most of all, thank you for pointing always to our Lord, Jesus Christ, who never forgets His own and whose grace is sufficient for us all.”<br /><br />DEACONESS ROSE E. ADLE<br />LCMS BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSION<br /><br />“This is a book that is about Christ who alone is the source of our joy and hope, our life and peace. Katie does not hold out a Jesus who will fix the problem of barrenness but a Jesus whose favor for sinners reaches to the very depths of our being. As Katie so aptly puts it, fulfillment is found not in the womb but in Christ. Writing with tenderness and a realism shaped by the cross, Katie makes a lively use of the Gospel to draw her sisters away from the temptations to self-pity and despair to the sure and certain promises of the Son of God recorded in the Scriptures and proclaimed in sermon and sacrament. Only in Christ is there true contentment.”<br /><br />JOHN T. PLESS<br />CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY<br />ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL MINISTRY AND FIELD EDUCATION<br /><br />“With HE REMEMBERS THE BARREN, Katie Schuermann has penned a significant devotional writing on a sensitive and emotional subject. What is so beautiful about this book is how she deals with childlessness in a Christ-centered and grace-full way, avoiding apathetic fatalism on the one hand and self-pity on the other. The hymn selections and prayers that conclude each chapter are pitch perfect. The chapters are sensitive and compassionate without being emotionally manipulative. This is a valuable resource for anyone who is having difficulty conceiving or knows someone who is. As a pastor, I will be sure to have a few copies available to give away.”<br /><br />REV. WILLIAM M. CWIRLA, PASTOR<br />HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH – HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA<br /><br />“HE REMEMBERS THE BARREN is a unique and greatly needed work. Its uniqueness comes from the perspective of the author. She personally understands barrenness and she personally understands Jesus Christ and His grace as revealed in Holy Scripture. Katie Schuermann artfully brings these two perspectives together and offers to the church a writing that will touch the hearts of many with needed empathy that only someone who has been there can bring and with needed hope and peace that only Jesus Christ can bring. This resource will also be a powerful tool in the hands of pastors, helping them understand barrenness and helping them minister to those dealing with it.”<br /><br />JAMES I. LAMB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />LUTHERANS FOR LIFE