‘The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.’
It is so interesting to see the juxtaposition of the grave and the barren womb,
the earth that is not filled with water and fire.
In some ways, they represent some sort of duality: death and life, water and fire.
The grave seeks to swallow up the living after their earthly journey is done…
whilst the barren womb seeks babies to replenish the dying.
Life, then death; death, then life.
The grave is the final destination of any and every human being. The tombstone is a symbol of mortality and sobering reminder that death looms over our frail heads every minute.
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The barren womb is somewhat akin to the grave, where no seedling has sprouted in it before, where flora and fauna does not flourish in its dim, cavernous void.
It hearkens back to the Genesis account before God said, let there be light.
‘And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.’
There we see the earth as the barren womb, which God later imbues with life.
This lifelessness of the barren womb is a prevailing view in ancient times – barrenness was commonly seen as a curse upon the family, not to mention the poor woman.
For try as she might, she cannot bring forth life.
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In our modern society, there is much less stigma attached to childlessness. Childless by choice is the new fashion code, especially among my millennial peers.
Yet who can ignore that voice of the barren womb that whispers, It is not enough?
Who, unless uniquely called to celibacy or ministry, can suppress the maternal urges that (most) women have been endowed with?
It may be confusing, with the norms of a currently anti-natalist society colliding with deeply held personal desires.
These desires may not even be immediately apparent, but operate in the unconscious – an inexplicable yearning for more.
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I have everything my heart could ask for, so the unspoken dilemma goes, husband, friends, career, diamonds… but why do I feel a lack deep down inside?
That yearning may never rest, may never die, until the womb opens and receives the absolutely awe-inspiring, mystery enshrouded gift of a child.
Face to face with a crinkly newborn with almond eyes for the first time…the womb, no longer barren, lets out the relieved sigh: it is enough.
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This piece is rooted in the pro-natalist Christian perspective, but it is by no means a prescription for all ladies.
It's a personal reflection upon Proverbs 30:16 (after being intrigued by the description of a barren womb) as well as an exploration of my own desires to be a mother.
Hoped you enjoy reading it! 💗
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Photo Credits: Josh Bean, Unsplash
