Every Life Counts

Last Thursday evening, I attended a Banquet/Gala for our city's Crisis Pregnancy Centers. There were many, many people there; some in their diamonds and furs, some in their Sunday best, and some in the clothes they most likely wore to work that day. The purpose of the night was this...to raise both awareness and financial support for this wonderful endeavor. After my own battle with a difficult pregnancy, not unplanned or unwanted, though very medically fragile, this is a cause near and dear to my heart. Actually, after seeing the struggle of two 28 week fetus/my babies, my mother went on to train and donate her time to counsel these sometimes abortion minded, sometimes lost, every time needing 'something', women. There is no charge for a pregnancy test; there is always someone to hold your hand as you find out whether you are carrying a child; there are free ultrasounds for all women, especially those women who are abortion minded, before 14 weeks gestation. The sweet faces of volunteers have faced countless teens after an evening that got out of hand. They have held the women who said, "NO" yet are still facing pregnancy alone. And even the young women who want a child with everything in them, yet do not have the resources...the husband...the support they need to raise a child.
Well on this night, Bruce Wilkinson, the author of the best seller "The Prayer of Jabez" was the keynote speaker of the event. He challenged us all to step out of our comfort zone to do God's work through God's will. He challenged everyone to reach deep into their hearts as well as their pockets to save babies in our community.
A very prolific speaker, we were all both mesmerized and deeply uncomfortable during the call to come forward to claim the challenge. Just $1000 will provide the resources needed save one unborn baby from abortion. Sounds like a lot, huh? It is. Until you think of what that child can become in his/her lifetime. Will he grow up to save the world from a terrible disease like cancer? Will she be the only one who can bring that unreached part of the world the Word of the Lord? The possibilities are beyond our wildest dreams.
In wrapping this post up, I will tell you that our evening was a huge success. After issuing the challenge, dozens of the 700 or so people came forward to dedicate their support. All in all, the amount raised was more than we could have hoped for. Thanks to a one time gift from an anonymous benefactor, as well as the others who pledged, over $1.33 million was raised in that small room. Yes, in that room we witnessed miracles happening! draft

Not the Miracle We Hope For

This morning when we returned home from church, we received some very disturbing news from the newspaper. My husband has a best friend from his tennis playing days. Over the years, through distance, families and jobs, they lost touch, but my husband still spoke of him often. When we were just beginning to date and in the first year of our marriage, his name was a staple around our household. After our twins were born, having all of the problems that come with extreme prematurity, a lot of friends could not be found. You'd be amazed how many people are afraid or feel awkward talking during a life changing event, such as the severe illness of a child. Not to mention two children.
But this couple was anxious to see us and meet our boys, as well as to show off their new daughter. She was a few months younger than our boys but we had a lot of fun together. They named this sweet baby girl Elizabeth.
This morning in the newspaper, we read the tragic story of a 15 year old girl who had been hit and killed while crossing the street with a group of teenagers. After thinking back and doing a little research on addresses, we realized that this young girl was the beloved daughter of our old friends. You heart wells up in your throat and emotions threaten to overwhelm as you put yourself in the shoes of another mother. Then you fall on your knees and thank God that this child was not yours and that yours are safe in the comfort of your home. It is a selfish thought, I know. But give me any mother in this world who hasn't thought the same...I don't think you'll find one.
I can only hope and pray that the comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ will find this family during this difficult time. We will pray for them even though we are no longer in each others lives. The prayers that are said for those we know and love are no more or less powerful than for those we don't. I pray this family does have a personal relationship with the Lord to carry them through this time. And if they don't I pray that out of this terrible tragedy will come the renewal of faith, the new found relationship with Jesus and the deep abiding knowledge that God is in control. That even when things that happen beyond our comprehension, God is there to carry us. This may be the only way we, as human beings, can possibly survive something that tears us apart.