I was reading the classic Bible story of David and Goliath. It still surprises me that I am able to uncover something NEW from a story I have read multiple times. Let’s see if this holds true for you. Whether this is your first or your one-hundredth time, how about we pause for a moment, and read I Samuel 17. Did anything jump out at your?   (OR you can cheat and keep on reading; I will be none the wiser).  

As quick background, David was anointed the next KING of Israel at the age of 15. Despite this bombshell event, nothing substantial changed for young David. He continues to live under his father’s roof, care for the family’s sheep, and run his father’s errands. Like the errand that brought him face to face with the giant Goliath; when his father asked him to bring food out to his older brothers on the battlefield.

If you have read this story before you know that Goliath is a 9-foot tall giant that is taunting the Israelite army. Daring any of them to come and fight. (Spoiler alert, there were no takers). Along comes young David, who, at this point, was just glorified food delivery. Young David steps up and answers the giant’s dare. With his slingshot and a rock, he strikes Goliath in the head and the giant topples down and dies. So far, is this how you remember the story? Me too! But here is what I read this morning with fresh eyes: 

“As the Philistine (Goliath) moved closer to attack him, David RAN QUICKLY TOWARD the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”  I Samuel 17:48-49

What struck me (pardon the pun) most about this story??? Young David’s courage!! Remember he was just delivering food to his brothers; he did not set out to kill a giant. But notice, David RAN QUICKLY. 

I always pictured this scene differently in my mind. I pictured David standing still and carefully aiming his slingshot, closing one eye for accuracy, and then releasing the stone. But that is not how it happened! 

The David and Goliath story strikes a deep, personal cord with me….. The battle of infertility, was my own personal Goliath!  Let me be real, this battle felt relentless, cruel, and degrading.  

I don’t know you. But if you are in the midst of an infertility batter, I do know you are courageous. I know the courage it takes to go to the appointments, endure the physical and emotional pain. I know what it feels like to pick up the shattered pieces of your heart and wonder how it will all fit back together again. Anyone who has walked this infertility road is a warrior mama in my book!

So I say this to my warrior mamas out there…

Congrats to my warrior mamas who wake up each and every day to RUN QUICKLY TOWARD another battle. Those mamas that despite heartache and disappoint get up and fight another round. You all are courageous and I am honored to do battle alongside you!!