Member Shoutout

MEMBER SHOUTOUT 

Danise Thornton 

What brought you to the T12 Collective—and how has God met you here?

   The journey of infertility is so relevant to me- 18 years of walking through it and often feeling alone in the journey. I want to encourage women that are feeling alone and forgotten and remind them that as a woman they are enough. Just being a woman is enough to offer their community and world - they have gifts and talents that only they were given by God. 

What’s a Bible verse or truth that’s been anchoring you in this season?

The verse I hold tightly to always is Lamentations 3:55-59 I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, "do not close your ears to my cry for help!" You came near when I called on you; you said, "Do not fear." You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life. 

What does “purpose beyond motherhood” mean to you right now?

We are more than mothers. Women offer care, kindness, listening ear, and comfort to the world not just to children. We can have goals, aspirations, interests and contributions with children or without. 

How would you encourage another woman walking through infertility, loss, or waiting?

Being present when they don't want to talk, listening when they are ready, and checking in often to show I haven't forgotten. I always encourage people to put something on the calendar to look forward to when you are walking through infertility- our lives can be completely centered around medications, shots, doctors' visits, etc. and we can feel we lose the rest of our lives. I also encourage women to stay present as much as possible and continue to do the things in their lives that bring them happiness through this process. 

 What’s your favorite way to find peace or joy in a hard moment?

A walk with my favorite music, a hug from my husband or a dear friend, taking a trip to unwind and focus on something else.