When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility [Paperback]

Sandra Glahn (Author), William Cutrer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

There's good news for couples who have been diagnosed as infertile; more than half of them will eventually conceive a child. One in six Americans of childbearing age experiences infertility problems-typically causing stress, sexual difficulties, marital d

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William R. Cutrer, M.D., is a recognized expert in reproductive technology and medical ethics. A licensed obstetrician/gynecologist who specialized in the treatment of infertility for more than fifteen years, he also holds a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister. Currently he is the Gheens Professor of Christian Ministry at The Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his wife, Jane, have been married for thirty-seven years and have three children and six grandchildren.

Sandra Glahn, Th.M., is an adjunct professor at Dallas Seminary, where she edits the award-winning magazine Kindred Spirit. She is the author of the Coffee Cup Bible Studies series for women and the coauthor of seven books about marriage and reproductive issues. Sandra also serves on the board of the Evangelical Press Association and the women's executive committee for Bible.org. She and her husband, Gary, make their home in Dallas, Texas. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Broadman & Holman Publishers (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805461272
• ISBN-13: 978-0805461275
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #621,172 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sandra Glahn, ThM, is adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, her alma mater. She is the coauthor of eight books, including the CBA bestseller and Christy Award finalist, Lethal Harvest. She is also editor-in-chief of the award-winning magazine Kindred Spirit. Glahn is currently pursuing a PhD in aesthetic studies at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Answering the cry,"What if God never gives us children?", May 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility (Paperback)

Sandra Glahn, former RESOLVE board member, transforms long-term pain into heartening encouragement as she shares her decade-long struggle with infertility. Intimately and personably written, When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden delivers solid facts and detailed information. With moments of true-to-life humor, it addresses the moral, marital and spiritual challenges involved in the struggle to have children.

Giving the topic a unique perspective, Glahn has teamed up with co-author,William Cutrer, M.D., a physician who also holds a graduate-level theology degree. Using numerous case histories as well as Glahn's personal testimony, they provide knowledgeable advice and answers to many of the key questions infertility patients ask. They focus much of their efforts on the emotional and spiritual struggles, though they also detail medical issues.

The book begins with a focus on dynamics in the marriage relationship, discussing the different ways wives and husbands typically handle the stress and grieving process: "Why do I feel like I'm going crazy?" "How do we keep romance alive?" The authors provide appropriate (sometimes amusing) responses to well-meaning friends and family who just can't say anything right. Using examples and insights from the Bible, they address the painful question so many of us ask, "Why,God?"

The book ends with several chapters devoted to the latest high-tech fertility treatments, including donor insemination, donor eggs and surrogacy, as well as the ethical considerations involved. Secondary infertility, adoption, and the option of living childfree are also addressed. Each chapter concludes with a list of thought-provoking questions for couples' discussion. To help those who desire to personally research certain issues, the authors also provide a list of resources for further reading. Of particular interest are the on-line resources they include.

Weaving logic and emotion, facts and feelings, Glahn and Cutrer send a message of encouragement and hope to those who ask "What if God never gives us children?"

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, January 22, 2000

By 

Cindy (Penna.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility (Paperback)

This is the first book I have read that really, really addresses the emotional aspects of infertility (not the medical/technical ones) and has answers for how to deal with them. I keep turning to it in moments of lonliness and despair--and it is always helpful. It has brought me a lot closer to God and made me realize that no matter how alone I feel at times, I never am. This book is excellent!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility (Paperback)

I have been dealing with personal infertility for over 10 years and this is the first book I've read that has thoroughly "hit every nail on the head." I would very strongly recommend it to anyone dealing with personal infertility and to those who are desiring to help bear this heavy burden of loved ones. If you are not sure how to respond to or help your loved one, this book will give you great insight. It was a blessing to me spiritually, emotionally, and even technically as I face Artificial Reproduction options.