Epi 77: The Gift of Life with Kelsey Garrison
One of the most significant questions each of us can ask ourselves is how may I serve?
With the unprecedented political changes in the United States after last week’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade, many women now question their options regarding their bodies—especially for couples who struggle with the inability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term.
With so much on the line, many are struggling to understand the future of families.
This week I sat down with my friend Kelsey Garrison, who has been at the forefront of serving a family as a surrogate. We talk about her calling to serve, how her experience changed her, and her advice for women who find themselves wanting to help others.
This next hour is a beautiful conversation of faith, family, and service.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Kelsey’s story begins
02:54 The push of purpose that called Kelsey to serve a family
07:03 Women’s rights, gay rights, and reproductive choice in the US and China
09:50 It’s a match—when purpose turns into action
11:05 The journey of surrogacy and emotional attachment
14:01 2020 shutdown and how you explain to another child
15:43 COVID changes everything, and Kelsey’s life becomes in danger
18:30 HELP syndrome causes early delivery
19:33 A plea for her own life and request
21:04 An odd disconnect between mind, body, and soul when hard things occur
22:40 Digesting your moments—the power of progressing your story
24:27 Covid changes Kelsey’s plan. The next time Kelsey sees the baby is months later
27:53 Sometimes, the moments we hope for are not the moments we receive
29:29 Emotional awareness is what helps us move through life
31:39 A beautiful meeting and the moments we want come in their own way
34:50 Life always gives us uphill moments to help move us to where we need to be
38:53 Kelsey’s advice for anyone interested in surrogacy and supporting others in parenthood
40:39 Our support systems come from places we never expected
43:33 “Do things that bring you joy!”
45:37 Kelsey’s three things
Kelsey is an inspiration, a true warrior in a way that reminds each of us not to push aside what comes to us and won’t leave our thoughts. Because of Kelsey, a family is now complete.
If you are interested in serving couples who now have fewer options, I encourage you to do research, reach out in your local communities, and never reject anything you are genuinely being called and led to do.
I hope you enjoyed this episode…Be sure to tune in on Tuesday and Thursday of each when new episodes of the Get Your Life Together, Girl Podcast is released. If you are looking for daily inspiration, join the growing community @getyourlifetogethergirl on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and visit getyourlifetogethergirl.com for additional videos, blogs, and upcoming events. Thank you for listening and being a valuable part of this community and please don’t leave a review as it helps spread this message to others who may need it…. until next time…be kind to yourself and others.