After 20 years a profound renewal

Are the consequences of taking the birth control Pill worth its promises? After bearing three children in three consecutive years, I decided to indulge in its assurance. Like all of Satan’s lies, this, too, seemed like the perfect remedy to my situation. After using it for just under 10 years, I finally woke up and smelled the coffee. Irritability was my constant companion along with a voracious appetite, and uncomfortable bloating.

I’ve heard it said that wisdom comes with age. Perhaps that’s why I finally knew enough to seek the truth. As I hungrily devoured the words in my Bible, I was reassured of God’s promise to us:

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

— John 3:21 (NIV)

Soon, I decided to turn to God for the solution. After reviewing the literature on Natural Family Planning, it seemed like the answer to my prayer. I was under the false impression that it was similar to the Rhythm Method from years ago. I presented the NFP materials to my husband, Charlie, and his first reaction was, “You don’t need to keep track of all that; a woman’s body is like a horse’s.” Since Charlie was raised on a farm, I tried to see through his primitive analogy.

This time, we began using the “horse” system, which only led to a pregnancy at the age of 43. After my obstetrician diagnosed that I was carrying an empty pregnancy sack with no viable life inside, I miscarried. At this point, real Natural Family Planning (NFP) came to our rescue. And we have found complete refuge in a profound renewal of our relationship.

We’ve come to realize, after 20 years of marriage, that our union is so much more than physical. Its roots go much deeper than the surface. In the past, whenever we had a dilemma, we were quick to resolve it by having relations. Unfortunately, the issues went unaddressed and were assumed to be resolved. NFP has forced us to take a more extensive look at the underlying issues we face and determine their causes and effects.

In turn, this has led to a happier, more fulfilling lifestyle. Our conversations became lively and in-depth, contributing to a stronger bond between us. A renewed appreciation for one another dawned in our hearts as well as a rekindled mutual respect. This was most definitely a system designed by God in order to enhance our relationships and give more meaning to our relationships.

The next time you are faced with as serious a question as to whether or not to consider using hormonal contraception, you should consider challenging yourself by asking the questions: Are the side effects worth the risk of jeopardizing your health and relationship? Are you willing to pay the price of irritability, increased appetite, bloating, and a shallow relationship in order to have “safe sex?” For us, the answer now is a loud and clear “No.”

— Janet Alario (left) and her husband, Charlie (second from right), are CCL Members in Colts Neck, New Jersey.