Monday marked the 38th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. In Washington D.C. and around the country tens of thousands of people participated in the March for Life which has been held since 1974. Throughout the years, I have struggled with this political/religious issue. As a mother, I can’t imagine every making the decision to abort my baby. Yet, as a mother, I can’t imagine inflicting more pay on a young woman who feels she has no other option but to abort her baby. God gives us all a gift or two, but being a part of this movement on the frontlines is not my gift. But recognizing beautiful stories and writing about them is something I can do.
Over twenty years ago, a family member found herself pregnant at a young age. Being of strong faith, she prayed and prayed and prayed some more. Abortion was not an option for her of which the family was very proud. After agonizing over her decisions, she finally decided to give the baby up for adoption. All of this seems to be a lifetime ago. My husband and I asked to take the baby, but in an infinite amount of wisdom, we were turned down. My heart ached for this baby. I still long to know the baby, now a young woman; I pray for her and love her dearly. The adoption was open; so many pictures came to the family. I will never forget the family picture of my little niece with her mother and father. My breath was taken away. She looked just like her beautiful adoptive mother. My heart healed that day because of this young family member’s steps to holiness by giving the gift of life to a couple who couldn’t have a child.
Soon after all of this happened in the family, I joined the military and went to BASIC training. There was another young girl in my platoon that I became friends with. One day we began debated abortion. I made the statement that I believed in abortion when the girl was raped. She proceeded to tell me the story of her little sister. She had been raped at an early age. It seems like she was fourteen, but I am not sure. The entire family went through hell from the emotional turmoil this caused. Her sister was adamant about not aborting the baby. After the baby was born, the love the family had for him caused all of them to heal and to move on to a wonderful life after great sorrow. This young woman took a step towards holiness.
The other day I listened to a woman tell an amazing story on the Catholic Radio channel. Her mother was pregnant at age 42. The doctors advised she about the twins she was carrying because at her age they would not be born healthy. Her and her husband refused. At twenty-six years old, the twin brothers were anointed priests to serve God and His people. What a step to holiness. Not only did she say no to abortion, she raised the children to love and serve God. What an amazing testament to life.
During each of my three pregnancies, we had the option to take a test to determine if the baby had any defects. I am the type that would worry about such things more than prepare for them, so we opted to not take the test. I believe my doctors would not have mentioned abortion if we had taken the test and found problems. However, I think a lot of doctors would suggest aborting a baby with issues. I have heard mothers opt to abort their babies with medical issues of deformities and mental issues. Those couples who refuse to abort are taking thousands of steps towards holiness.
Today I challenge everyone to pray for our unborn and to pray for those born. To pray for all women faced with the choice of life or abortion no matter which choice they make. I also challenge you to help those in need by giving time or treasure. I think today I will go buy some diapers to begin the collection of baby items that are given during our Lent to Life drive at our church.
Blessings to you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment