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Sharing the insights I discover as I explore and experience the mystery that is our reality. Join me in my journey and share yours.




Friday, January 28, 2011

In Honor of Sanctity of Life Week

It would seem that with the advance and accessibility of contraceptives, coupled with public schools offering sex education to students, that abortion would largely be a thing of the past. This is not the case unfortunately. Statistics just revealed that New York City has an alarming abortion rate-41 percent of human life conceived in NYC is terminated through means of abortion. http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/07/41-percent-of-pregnancies-in-nyc-are-aborted/





I do not intend to judge those who have opted for abortion nor turn this blog into a political platform. I believe the loss of any life is tragic and it is important to take a moment to recognize this sad reality that plagues our country. No matter which side one finds themselves on, I think we can all agree that it is a sad thing to end a life before it has the opportunity to reach its full potential. That each human is uniquely woven into a creation that is amazing and the termination of that life is no doubt a painful decision by the women who choose that path.

To judge such women, I feel, is also a great crime. In Shane Claiborne's book, Irresistible Revolution, he brings up a good point with this issue saying that if one were to judge a woman who is getting an abortion, telling her not to, they should be willing to help her through that pregnancy financially and emotionally and help secure a future for her and that child. See, it's easy to judge someone, until you walk in their shoes. It's easy to tell someone not to have an abortion and then walk away, leaving a homeless teen suffering on the streets alone with a life now totally depending on her. We just never know a person's circumstances. I'm not saying every mother who makes the choice of having an abortion faces such dire consequences, but many do. Perhaps not homelessness, but many are stuck in abusive relationships, poverty, etc.

I remember driving by a Planned Parenthood where there was a protest going on against abortions. I felt saddened at the thought of abortions happening, and even angry but at the same time I also felt angry at those protesters. For sometimes it is easier to judge a situation and harder to help solve it. Let's be problem solvers not problem agitators. Let's extend ourselves with compassion to others, building a bridge to understanding and a bridge towards solutions.

Below is a video that I found a beautiful and touching tribute to the sanctity of life, complete with meaningful scripture verses. I hope you enjoy it.




Heavenly Father,

We grieve at the fact that Your Will for the life which springs up in the wombs of Your children is prevented from reaching fruition due to the tragic act of abortion. We know that all of life is sacred, woven by Your love and grace, planned out before the foundation of the world was laid out, and pray that Your light penetrates through our culture of darkness, bringing about a new awareness of the sanctity of life.

We pray for all those parents who have decided to end their pregnancies. Bind their broken hearts, heal their wounds and bring them freedom and restoration as they turn their hearts towards You. Penetrate the hearts of those who judge such parents with compassion and understanding.  We pray that You give them the desire to reach out in love, rather than condemnation. To find solutions to those who have difficult decisions to face regarding their pregnancies.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen. 

10 comments:

  1. oh Jessica I came here thinking I would have to fight you tooth and nail! Yet I found me!

    Bless you JESSICA

    Cheers A

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  2. Bless you A! :) I'm glad perhaps we might agree in the approach to this issue. This was a post I was nervous to write, but I felt it was important, as a Christian, to address it during this week.

    ~many blessings to you and yours

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  3. This is a difficult discussion for any woman, especially if they are faced with this choice. I'm not an advocate of abortion, but I do believe that there are circumstances that it is warranted ie. rape. As you say, it is easy for people and groups to judge a woman. Before doing so, they need to really put themselves in that woman's shoes and try to understand her positions.

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  4. Ok taking a risk here....I was faced with this decision 30 years ago....and 30 years later still am haunted by it....and being a Christian myself I still find it hard not to judge myself......I've never faced that decision....
    30 years later my daughter was faced with the same decision....she chose adoption...both faced with that decision..both chose different paths...still a struggle of it's own....
    thank you for this post..thank you for taking the risk...As always.....XOXOXO

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  5. Amen. Actions and love are needed. I've had this conversation with my children many times and my son realized that his actions (helping a charity which assists young, pregnant women) can do so much more than just saying I'm against abortion.

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  6. Bonnie, I am honored that you took the risk to share you heart on my blog and share your story on how it still has left an impact on your life. I thank God for being a God who has a steadfast and faithful love towards His children and, through redemption and the power of Jesus' blood spilled out for all our wrongdoings, washes us clean from all the painful decisions we've had to make in our past.

    You are so beautiful in the eyes of God, precious and unique amongst His children, and God wouldn't want you to carry guilt with you, for it is a stumbling block in living the most fruitful life you can for His glory. He wants you to be happy and liberated from oppression..oppression that is caused by painful memories and guilt. I will pray that God helps you to no longer judge yourself. I can relate...I've made mistakes, different but nonetheless biggies, in my past and it took me awhile to forgive myself. Isn't it ironic how sometimes it's easier to forgive others and hardest to forgive ourselves sometimes?

    Anyways, don't want to write too much...but I will pray that God will heal your heart, sending it warmth and joy and set you free from any guilt that might be lingering.

    And you bring up a good point...sometimes the alternatives to abortion can be very painful in and of themselves. Adoption is a beautiful thing but a very tough decision on the part of the birth mother. I can't possibly imagine. Though, I see it as a very selfless and loving act.

    May you walk in the Lord's light today and always.
    ~blessings

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  7. Pam...that's awesome that you teach your children that! To use their actions to help the world be a brighter place and not just complain and condemn!
    ~blessings

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  8. Personally I am totally against abortion but I will never judge a woman who have decided that it is the best option. I can not even begin to imagine the inner turmoil that she must be faced with. Thank God I have never been in a situation like that.

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  9. I hear you Neleita, I think we feel pretty much the same way. I think it tragic and an awful act...but also realize that many women feel like they have no choice and at that point it's an awful situation for all involved. That's when Christians should step up, at that juncture to help out...and many do...as Mary notes her son works at a clinic that helps out such women. We need more of that happening!

    For sure, taking life is wrong. I'm still perplexed at the abortion rates in NYC..how high they are...with contraceptives aplenty, free at clinics and sex ed at school.

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