The Story of Baby Shalom

This is the true record of a woman pouring her heart out in the presence of God as she experienced the death of a child in her womb. Lutherans For Life offers it here with the hope of bringing comfort and encouragement to others who may find themselves struggling in similar circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Shalom means “peace” and, despite the emotional challenges portrayed, this story ends with the mother of Baby Shalom resting in God’s peace. May it be so also for you, dear reader, no matter what tragedies befall you.

To learn more about Lutherans For Life please visit www.lutheransforlife.org.

The Story of Baby Shalom – A Discussion on Miscarriage
by Deaconess Rachel Geraci

This discussion guide is for use with the LFL booklet, “The Story of Baby Shalom” by Marie MacPherson.

1. Was what the midwife said helpful? Why or why not? How did her words not serve to acknowledThe Story of Baby Shalom – A Discussion on Miscarriage
   by Deaconess Rachel Geraci
2. What does Marie mean when she says, “Perhaps I might even be blessed more through suffering a loss?” How is a Christian’s definition of “success” very different than that of the world?
3. Have you ever dealt with grief in this way? Have you ever searched for ways to “just feel normal again?”
4. King David had a similar feeling of peace once he knew his child had died. He commended his child into the care of God and was at peace. Read 2 Samuel 12:15-23. How can we too receive comfort knowing that our God is in control even in the worst situations?
5. How significant is it to recognize that we have a God who also experienced the loss of His Son? Our God knows human suffering and suffers right alongside of us.
6. Marie’s baby was not baptized. How can she trust that her baby is in heaven if he or she died without being baptized?
7. What well-meaning questions or comments might someone ask or say to someone who has miscarried that really are not that helpful? What better ways can we love and serve our grieving neighbor through our words and actions?
8. In what ways did the Divine Service provide hope and strength to Marie in her grief? How can it help to strengthen you in your daily life?
9. Read Psalm 130. What power do we find in these words! God does not want us to come to Him just when we “have our lives together.” Instead He wants us to come in our desperation, laying our burdens at the foot of the cross.
10. What significance did Marie’s living children find in the baby’s name, “Shalom?” How can this story remind us of the beauty of the faith of a child?ge that a fully human life was growing in Marie’s womb?