I am so happy to share my RESOLVE Advocacy Day 2019 experience. While Rodney and I were in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago, the event resonates in my mind like it was yesterday. I imagine that this was only the first of many Advocacy Days we will attend.
RESOLVE gathers in our nation’s capital once a year for the sole purpose of affecting change with those who represent us in Congress. More than 200 advocates came together from 30 states to share our stories and make our voices heard. We met with our individual representatives to share pertinent information on the upcoming bills and to request them to support the bills with co-sponsorship.
The Michigan delegation, pictured above, was a mighty team and we came ready to take Capitol Hill on with Great Lakes superpower! Our State Captain, Elizabeth Walker, was especially helpful as she has attended many Advocacy Days. The two-day event is packed with opportunities to learn and train with others who battle infertility and meetings with our lawmakers to make clear what that may look like among their constituents.
It was a whirlwind as we went from office to office with pamphlets or leave-behinds as their called on the Hill. We introduced ourselves, gave a snipet of our stories, and presented the bills one by one. We were told not be discouraged if we were meeting with a legislative aide or staffer instead of the representative directly. These staffers are an integral part of the process and are trusted to inform each congressperson of matters of importance.
I was nervous only for a moment. Instead, the excitement swiftly took over and the feeling of empowerment began to grow. This caught me by surprise but I’m so grateful that I did. Infertility comes without permission and wreaks havoc on every part of your life! It challenges us and threatens our peace. Sometimes I feel like a victim of the most personal robbery.
I’ve found peace in accepting the changes infertility has forced my through and I’ve found strength in my faith in God. But, on May 16, 2019 I got some control back. I felt like I gave infertility a black eye for all that it has put me through. Will these bills I spoke up for change things for me directly? Not by much. But, I encouraged those who represent me to make change for those just like me and that felt so good!
Isaiah 58:1 says, Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! NLT He was encouraging them tell the truth with a loud voice and to be mindful of the effect of their choices. I kinda feel like I did, too. These laws dictate the care so many receive and while I don’t make the laws I depend on them to serve me.
Thank you of the offices of Senator Gary Peters, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Representative Rashida Tlaib for taking the time to listen to my heartfelt plea for increased insurance coverage for treatment, an awareness month for PCOS, and increased funding for more research. This message gave my pain a voice and the potential to accomplish a different outcome for others who struggle to grow their families.
I recognize that these changes won’t likely happen immediately. The FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) benefit so many enjoy took 12 years of advocating to make it a reality. I can handle that. Infertility has challenged me for almost just as long. But know this infertility, you have made me a warrior and I don’t fight fair!
HOPE-Filled Thought: No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37 NLT
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving us enough to ensure us the victory in all that we face. We agree with your Word and align ourselves with your heart. Strengthen us in everything we face and encourage us as we defend this victory that is ours. We receive it with joy and it is so. Amen.
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