Honest review of Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead

by Angela L. Mackey (Author)

Updated at: 05/02/2025

In Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead, Angela Mackey shares her deeply personal journey through infertility, offering solace and hope to others facing similar struggles. After experiencing devastating losses and the removal of her fallopian tubes, Mackey found healing and strength in God's Word. This book isn't just a memoir; it's a guide, exploring the emotional complexities of infertility while providing scriptural insights and practical tools for navigating this challenging path. Through vulnerable storytelling and biblical wisdom, Mackey offers comfort, encouragement, and a renewed perspective, helping readers find peace and a deeper connection with God amidst their pain. Whether facing primary or secondary infertility, this book provides a supportive hand and a pathway to healing.

5 / 11 ratings

Review Difficult to Conceive

Reading "Difficult to Conceive: A Godly Perspective for the Road Ahead" felt like sitting down with a dear friend who truly understands the agonizing journey of infertility. Angela Mackey's vulnerability is immediately apparent, and it’s this honesty that makes the book so powerful. She doesn't shy away from the raw emotions – the grief, the frustration, the questioning of faith – that accompany this struggle. It’s not a sugar-coated portrayal of faith overcoming all; instead, it’s a deeply human and relatable account of navigating profound loss and longing, all within the context of a strong faith.

What struck me most was Angela’s ability to weave together her personal experience with insightful biblical reflection. She doesn't offer simplistic answers or platitudes; instead, she explores the complexities of faith and suffering with grace and intelligence. She tackles the “why” questions head-on, acknowledging the legitimate anger and pain that arise when facing infertility, and then gently guides the reader towards finding solace and hope in God's word. The scriptural references aren't just thrown in; they're thoughtfully integrated, providing a framework for understanding and processing the emotional turmoil.

I appreciated the practicality of the book as well. Angela doesn't just share her story; she provides tangible tools and strategies for coping with infertility. The concept of “joy stookers,” those things that steal our joy, resonated deeply. It's a simple yet powerful idea that helped me understand how easily we can get sidetracked from focusing on what truly matters. The book also explores the complexities of using fertility treatments from a faith-based perspective, offering a thoughtful and nuanced approach to a topic that can be fraught with ethical and emotional dilemmas.

Beyond the specific focus on infertility, "Difficult to Conceive" offers a broader message about navigating loss and suffering in general. It's a guide for anyone facing heartbreak, disappointment, or unanswered prayers. Angela's journey becomes a metaphor for the larger human experience of grappling with life's uncertainties and finding strength in faith during times of deep pain. The book isn't just about getting pregnant; it's about cultivating a deeper relationship with God amidst life's trials.

The writing style is approachable and easy to follow, making it a comforting read. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. It's a book I would recommend to anyone struggling with infertility, or to anyone who wants a compassionate and insightful exploration of faith, hope, and the enduring power of God's love in the face of adversity. It's a 5-star read, not just for its theological depth, but for its profound humanity and heartfelt compassion.