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About Carrie

Carrie Zeilstra is the founder of Choosing Faith 23. As a Christian author and creator, Carrie is passionate about encouraging hurting hearts to choose faith in God.

 

After the loss of her infant daughter, Carrie began a support group in her community named "Held: Support for Mothers after Pregnancy or Infant Loss." This ministry opened Carrie's heart to see all those who are hurting in the body of Christ. Through her writing, Carrie hopes to minister to the hearts of those who have experienced loss, trauma, or mental health struggles. Her mission is to point them toward faith in the God of all comfort.

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Carrie lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, teenage son, and her cockapoo dog named Lucy.​ When she is not spending time with her family, or writing, you can find her coaching gymnastics or at the beach. 

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As a member of COMPEL Training (part of Proverbs 31 Ministries), Carrie's writing has won multiple writing challenges resulting in publication. She is blessed to be featured twice on Proverbs 31 online devotional - Encouragement for Today. In addition, Proverbs 31 chose Carrie's writing to be a part of the published book - "Renew Your Mind: 40 Days to Quite the Lies Inside Head."  See more of Carrie's writing by visting the CF23 Blog, and Other Writing

My  Choosing Faith  Story

I grabbed the doctor's arm and cried out "I don't want to lose my baby girl!" 

 

The doctor looked back at me with compassion and said the words I already knew, but didn't want to believe. 

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"There is nothing we can do to stop your labor. You will deliver your baby soon." Tears filled her own eyes as she continued. "And at 22 weeks gestation your baby will not survive." 

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Hours later our precious baby girl was born. We said hello and goodbye within a matter of breaths. We held her as she passed from our arms into the arms of Jesus. 

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We named our daughter Faith Isabella. Her name reminds us that FAITH is a choice, beyond our feelings and circumstances.

 

We choose faith that God is good, and his plans are good... even when it doesn't seem like it. 

Why 23?

23 is a significant number to me. Not only was Faith Isabella born on May 23rd, but God also used Psalm 23 to strengthen me amid the most difficult days. Choosingfaith23 reminds me that even in the "valley of the shadow of death" I can choose to trust God. He is good and he never leaves me. 

Psalm 23

Pregnancy and infant loss resources

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A community of support groups, both in person and online., as well as education resourse.

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Lists of organizations, support groups, and resources. 

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Raise awareness and provide support for families going through pregnancy or infant loss.

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