Birthmom

Sometimes we are all quick to judge.  Ann Voskamp, (I'm still reading her book, slowly, savoring), talks about looking at life through God-focused lenses and changing our perspective.  It's easy to look at birthmom and think, "she ought to do the right thing."  And we think, in all of our pride and human arrogance, that we know what the right thing should look like, feel like, be.  But if we take a moment to change our focus, we can see the same information entirely changed.

This birthmom, Callie Mitchell, shares her story bravely, unfiltered, and with humble courage.  It's impact is mighty.  She chose to place her baby for adoption and recorded a video journal of the experience; it is remarkable in many ways. 

A woman called me the other day.  She knows someone contemplating abortion -- could I be of any help?  What words do I say to comfort a woman heartbroken over another's choices?  She wants to do  something; I can feel it.  She is powerless.  And I cannot give her power.  Not much.

I pass along information.
Information can have power potentially.
How much is hard to say.

It takes bravery to bear a child, and bravery still to gift that child to another.   And we pray that this young woman, wherever she is, finds bravery, strength and courage.  We pray that fear not guide her, that fear not win the day.  Fear can be so powerful and so crippling.

And we, who know Jesus, can trust with certainty Isaiah 41:10:

So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you; 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Wherever this young woman, with life growing inside her, we pray she hear these words and know that she is not alone.  There is courage deep within, and a God who loves her regardless of anything she may tell herself.