Every so often we get an email in the inbox that just leaves me dumbstruck.

Usually such a question comes with not only a pointed question to it, but with real

life hurts and pain behind it, from a listener that's seeking genuine answers to alleviate

core identity struggles in their lives, like the email I'm about to read today.

It comes to us from a listener named Elizabeth, here it is, Pastor John, I was conceived

using the sperm of an anonymous donor.

My parents who were believers wanted a child very badly, but my father was infertile, so

they chose to purchase sperm from a fertility clinic.

My biological donor father was paid to give his sperm to the clinic.

My parents chose not to tell me about the conception until after I was married and when

I was told I was shocked and hurt and struggled to find my identity for years.

I rest in the thought that God is my father, and I'm always drawn to scriptures and songs

about God as father to help settle my confused heart.

At least 60,000 children are born through donor conception every year in the United States,

so I know this is impacting local churches though it's rarely discussed.

Reproductive technology is moving fast and couples can choose to purchase sperm or eggs

from a more fertile person or use the embryos left over from others who made more embryos

than they wanted.

My questions to you are twofold.

Number one, does God desire some couples to remain childless to the point that using the

sperm or eggs of a third person is resistance to his will?

And number two, do you have any scripture grace for those of us who are the product of

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