Life is Precious, Life is Sweet

Hey there! As we wrap up the month of January, Sanctity of Life month, I want to make sure to emphasize this important focus. Since we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we are valuable, no matter the race, ethnicity, gender, mental capacity, or physical capacity. As long as there is breath, there is a purpose for everyone’s life. Each tiny baby, no matter the circumstances of creation, has a purpose from God Himself. Each little one’s first breath and small cry represents a life created in beauty who is loved unconditionally by the Creator. Each of these lives has hope thanks to the Giver of Life.

During seminary, my counseling practicum took place in a crisis pregnancy resource center in Kansas City, Mo. It was really due to the fact that it was the only place that worked out. I did not go looking to work there specifically, but I know that was a gift. It opened my mind more fully to the vitally important issue of the dignity of life.

Besides weekly clients, my job was to accept walk-in clients who needed a free pregnancy test and if they were pregnant, to take them a “new mommy bag” which included a Bible, diaper, baby booties, and other gifts that people donated. We discussed options for their babies as well and encouraged life for their teeny unborn ones. We also provided free ultrasounds for those who were abortion-minded. This view of a beating heart had quite an effect on many ladies’ hearts when they undeniably see the actual life that has been created. They also could choose to enter the program that provided prenatal care and ways to earn baby items such as diapers, wipes, and clothes.

I learned a tremendous amount about people and the value of life itself. I saw many young girls cry when they realized they were expecting a life. I learned unplanned pregnancy is not limited to one socioeconomic status or one class of people. One sixteen-year old girl cried when she discovered her pregnancy and said she was embarrassed to go to youth group at church. It happened to the wealthy and it happened to those without much money. It happened to girls as young as fourteen. I learned to love girls and see the stories they had without judgment. I learned that parents were the ones mainly pushing for abortion with their children, not actually the teenage girls themselves. I learned that depression after abortion is not limited to the mommies but daddies are affected too.

Ironically our building was located right next to Planned Parenthood. I remember many days when they had to close early for whatever reason, they sent girls next door to us! We had the incredible opportunity to provide life-affirming services and share Jesus with these girls at an extremely difficult time in life. How great God is! Not every story had a happy ending and some babies died. The great news is that some babies lived! Some girls came to know Jesus! That makes every hour spent there worth it.

The fact is, teenagers everywhere are affected in some way by this scenario. Even if they are not facing an unplanned pregnancy, they have a friend who is, or sees a girl like this at school. What does this mean to me you ask? Do you see people in this situation? If we are too busy to notice, like the enemy would prefer, we cannot look for ways to love them like Jesus! Also, how do we view them? Do we judge ladies or do we love them and see ways to bless them? For teenagers, being a friend is a great way to start. And by being a friend, I mean actually going beyond saying hello, which is a great beginning, but actually spending time getting to know them. This requires selflessness and getting outside ourselves - time with our friends which is easy and comfortable. This is what God asks of us as His children. Giving to a local crisis pregnancy resource center and finding ways to get involved helping their needs is also a great plan.

I know today’s blog is a bit intense, but I want to share this with you because it is often easy to stay focused on our own families and activities and to be unaware of social issues that affect our country and therefore, us. We cannot affect the world for Jesus if we do not know what is happening. Let us pray for lives to be changed for Jesus and for life to be respected and valued. We are not disposable. Each of the 58, 586, 256 babies who have died since Roe v. Wade (the court case that legalized abortion in 1973) each had a unique personality and purpose that was never known.

Did you know that Norma McCorvey, also known as Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade declared herself pro life in 1995? In 2003, she began working to overturn Roe v. Wade. She acknowledges her decisions were wrong and is fighting for life, as a result of her belief in God.

I think God’s heart breaks for these innocent little ones who often die in pain and never asked for it. Let our hearts break for what breaks the heart of God. Let us fight for life and the right to it, not only for babies but for those who are forgotten or “imperfect.” Who are we to say who deserves life and who does not? You are valuable. Each created person has value.

Wherever you are, have a great day! You are valuable. You have a plan and purpose for your life. Let us learn to

“speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8). #prolifegeneration

Love,

Charis