She Chose Life

In honor of “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday,” I am reposting this entry from August 2007. There are several touching comments on the original post, as well.

Today, I had to go to the local courthouse. Don’t get all excited, I did not get arrested, nor get a speeding ticket, thankfully. I just had to pick up some official documents. I stood in line, wondering if my children were being a little too loud, when I over heard the clerk talking to the trio in front of me. “And do you certify that you give consent to the bride, being 17….”

A middle aged mother
A tee*nage b*oy
A tee*nage gi*rl, soon to be a tee*nage mother

She looked like she was about 6-7 months pregnant, and as she glanced at me, her face belied several emotions at once.

She looked at my energetic kids, and wondered if she could really do this.
She awkwardly stood next to her boyf*riend, and wondered if getting married was the right thing.
She looked in my eyes, and wondered if she would receive judgment from this married 30-something mom with two happy g*irls.

I prayed that she would only see love in my eyes – God’s love for her. You see, she made a mistake, but God did not. She chose to honor the life that God had created inside her. For that, she should be proud.

As they waited on the bench beside me, I smiled widely at the gi*rl and her mother. I asked whether the baby was a b*oy or a gi*rl, and I said “bless you” as they left. I prayed that they would truly be blessed, and that they would come to know Jesus’ redeeming love if they didn’t already.

Now, I am not convinced that getting married and raising the baby is always the right thing in these situations. I do know that choosing life is always the right thing.

I also know that God has restoration for those who didn’t choose life. He will not cast you out if you run to Him!! Jesus has grace for you, not judgment.

Luke 15:3-7
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:20
“But while he [the prodigal son] was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.^[b]‘

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Please keep comments grace and compassion filled, for the sake of God’s precious daughters who need to be restored. Thank you.