I think that, as Christians, when it comes to Sanctity of Life, we spend a lot of talking about all of the babies whose lives are intentionally ended before birth.
And we should, because it’s heartbreaking on so many levels.
This is a subject close to my heart, not only because I’m a mom. But also because, over 25 years ago, a young woman with an unplanned pregnancy chose life...and our family has been profoundly blessed by her decision.
And because that one choice will impact my family for generations to come.
But I’d like to gently suggest that pro-life goes way beyond abortion...to the ones born into situations that are unhealthy or unsafe; to the orphan; to the abandoned; to the abused and neglected; to the children and teens in foster care; to children and teenagers languishing in institutions all over the world...deemed unlovable and unwanted...because of genetic or chromosomal conditions; to the chronically ill, mentally ill, terminally ill; to our elderly...once vibrant, independent, and healthy...now completely dependent on others for their care.
How “pro-life” are we?
My mind goes to a precious toddler, born into a situation most of us cannot comprehend. Hospitalized, in a coma...her body broken by abuse. I think of the day my friend was made aware of her case...how she made her way to the hospital, how she held that tiny body, and promised her that her death would not be in vain.
How did we fail this child? Did we judge her situation? Her family? Did we see something we didn’t report? Did we suspect something, but just didn’t want to get involved?
However wrong, reckless, dangerous, neglectful, or apathetic some parents are...there are the children, who have done nothing wrong, and they need us to fight for them.
If we plead with pregnant women to choose life, and then they do...then what?
How do we help them...and how do we help their babies?
There are some 1300 churches like mine in our state. If even half of them had one family who would adopt one child out of foster care...there would be no waiting children in our state.
Not everyone is called to add a child to their family this way, but we are ALL called to care for and defend the fatherless.
We can support a family financially, offer to babysit, buy groceries, make a meal, purchase clothing or school supplies, donate to an adoption fund.
On a personal level, my life has been blessed by adoption.
The day program Joshua attends includes FRIENDS who have a variety of challenges and abilities. Some went through a typical school...some did not. Each week, I watch the Staff think wayyy outside the box for ways to include each FRIEND in each activity or experience, to the best of their abilities. And I wonder how many times, in life, these precious ones were overlooked and not included, simply because no one saw the need. Or because it was too hard. Or because they didn’t think it mattered. I’m so thankful for a place where these FRIENDS can thrive, for people who value LIFE...and are able and willing to see beyond a disability. #prolifeforalllife
The place where my Dad is staying for rehab has room after room of elderly people who are alone. Forgotten by their families...or a great distance away from their families...or maybe they have outlived their families. I don’t know. I’m not judging anyone’s decision, because most people do the best they can with the resources they have available. What I DO know, is that one night, after Clara had gone home, my Dad woke up very distraught. They said they could hear my normally soft-spoken Dad...all the way down at the nurse’s station. He was screaming her name over and over. One of the aides went down to check on him. When she saw his distress, she had compassion for him. And even though it wasn’t technically her job, this most unlikely girl, pulled up a chair, and held his hand until he went to sleep.
Oh, may God give us eyes to see the hurt around us, hearts to share His amazing grace and forgiveness...and arms to link with others, showing them they are not alone.
You know, sometimes, in life, we make the wrong choices. Sometimes we know better, and we do it anyway. But sometimes we just don’t know. Sometimes we feel desperate...backed into a corner, with no other solution in sight.
And sometimes, it’s a choice made by others that affects us for the rest of our lives.
We are not too messed up for Jesus.
He heals, He forgives, He saves.
The ground is level at the foot of the cross...Jesus will meet us there.
"Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began." Psalm 139:16
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