IC My New Life

How did I end up supporting a Pregnancy Center that helps those considering abortion?  I often think back to how it happened.  During the beginning of the Covid-19 Crisis, I felt the Lord tugging at my heartstrings.  I felt God was leading me and my Small Bible Study Group to support a specific cause.

An Answer to My Prayers

I felt overwhelmed by all the groups on the radio and tv requesting support.  It left me with the feeling that there was no way that I could pick just one.  After a few weeks of feeling this way, and praying about it suddenly it was clear.  During one of our meetings, my Pastor’s wife mentioned how terrible abortion is across our nation.  

There it was…that was it!  We could raise money.  And we could give to an organization that was requesting money for ultrasounds for women who are considering abortion.  The commercial stated that 80% of women who see an ultrasound decide to keep their babies.  It sounded like a great cause.  However, we decided to reach out to our local Pregnancy Center.  We even had the Director of the Center speak to our group at one of our Bible Study meetings.

Continuined Tug at My Heartstrings

Again, I thought that I had done my part, patted myself on the back, and thought that was it.  I continued to feel that tug at my heartstrings again except this time it was much stronger.  After all, I was more educated now.  Now I know that women can illegally purchase abortion pills online, but I also know that there is a reversal pill to the abortion pill!

We needed to do more.  We needed to do a fundraiser for this Center.  After talking with the director we tossed around a few ideas.  My heart seemed set on a “Babyless Shower.”  We decided on a Drive-by Babyless Shower and we would have it outside at our church.

However, after continuing to brainstorm with the Director, we finally landed on a Baby Shower for a specific “Mommy To Be.”  There just happened to be a Mommy that is due right after the date we had set for the Shower.

Before the Shower, we asked the Director to come to our church and share some of the things they do. Therefore, maybe they would be more willing to help and we would have the support of the church for the “Drive-by Shower.”

Chose Life

As the Director told the story of Oliver the tears began to flow down my checks.  I’ve heard her tell this story more than once, but when she says “This is what they were going to get rid of.”  In addition, she shows the picture of this sweet little baby boy.  It gets to me every time!

The mother had taken the Abortion Pill and immediately regretted it.  She must have felt the power of the Holy Spirit tugging at her heartstrings the same way I did.  Frantically she called Planned Parenthood and was told that there was nothing that she could do.  They lied to her.  Determined to find a solution she continued to seek help.  She was directed to Crossroads Pregnancy Center and much to her relief they gave her HOPE.  

They told her about the Abortion Reversal Pill.  If the Reversal pill is taken within the first 24 hours it has a 62% chance of working. She chose life! Now she has a beautiful baby boy.  Now she has Oliver.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/grwc5aNX3mgT9f6z7 Click on the link to see a picture of Oliver

Peace in My Heartstrings

This Center has this and many more amazing stories that God has blessed them with recently.  In other words, since we are getting more involved and have been hearing them it has confirmed in my heart that we are helping the right people.

In conclusion, I consider it an honor to be a small part of what such a wonderful ministry in our community.  I haven’t even told you about the Shower yet.  Hopefully, that will be my next post…

https://www.crossroadspregnancycenter.org/ Click on the link to visit Crossroads Pregnancy Center.

https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/options-for-unplanned-pregnancy Click on the link to visit American Pregnancy Association

https://icmynewlife.com/what-is-going-on/ Click on the link to visit another COVID-19 related blog

I pulled into the parking lot of my local doctor’s office. I was thinking to myself What is Going On? Where is everyone? Oh, that’s right everyone is at home (where I should be!) practicing social distancing to avoid COVID-19. As I walked the short distance from the most convenient, handicapped parking space, the journey felt like it was miles. My feet seemed to be weighted down almost as if to tell me to run back to the safety of my car.

There was a table in front of the door manned by a very friendly member of the doctor’s staff. I have never seen this before, but as I soon realized there were many things I have never witnessed before that I was going to see on this day. She began asking me a series of questions:

• Have you traveled out of the United States in the last 14 days?
• Do you currently have a fever or lower respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath?
• So on and so forth.

Confidently, but also with concern, I answered “No,” to each question. Then I had to sign the paper after she disinfected the pen for my use. She proceeded to confirm my replies by taking my temperature and recording it on the questionnaire. She then offered hand sanitizer to me while she pumped it with her gloved hands. I stood there as she opened the door for me so that I would not have to touch the potentially harmful handle.

I walked into the waiting room to check-in and was greeted by another masked staff member. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I had to have a mask on before I could enter the building and the staff member who checked me in was also masked. As a matter of fact, I could see other staff members walking around since all of the waiting rooms were open for easy access and they were all wearing masks!

My heart began to race, my breathing was heavy and I was pacing the floor. I felt like I was trapped in a dream…a bad dream…a nightmare! I began to panic. My glasses were fogging up and I could barely see…maybe that was a good thing. I just wanted it all to end. I knew I had to calm down, but how?

As I paced around the waiting room all alone, I noticed a bird…no, not a real bird, but a painting of one. I think birds are beautiful. They always bring a source of comfort to me. I began to concentrate on the beauty of the bird and the vibrant color of the painting. I knew I had to focus intently on something other than the fact that I was scared! Why was I so scared?

I’m taking a biologic called Stelara for my Crohn’s disease. It suppresses my immune system which puts me on the list of those thought to be most vulnerable during this Pandemic. Looking around and seeing everyone in masks, being afraid to sit down in the waiting room because of fear for potential germs, combined with the uncertainty of my conditions just became too much for me to handle. It was surreal.

Apparently, scenes like this are going to be part of what we are calling our “New Normal.” I had already weighed the risk versus benefit in my head and decided that I needed to go ahead with this doctor visit, but just seeing everyone with masks on, suddenly it became too real!

I’m glad the Lord calmed me down and I didn’t run out of there crying and screaming like I wanted to do, but it really caused me to pause and consider the magnitude of the way our lives may change forever. It may be a really long time before we can all gather together in a small, crowded waiting room…hmm…maybe that’s a good thing. There are good things that can come out of all of this.

We have a choice in all of this. We can dwell on the fear, and unknown about what is going on or we can trust in the hope of the Lord. I knew this in my heart, but I momentarily let fear overwhelm me.

We need to look for positive things that are possible because of this “break” in our daily routines. A time to slow down to focus and re-focus. A time to look at life from a different angle. A time to realize how quickly our lives can change in such a short time.

One thing that has changed in my life is that I am spending more time with my husband and I am studying my Bible more. All of these are positive things…habits that I intend to continue. So for me, What is Going On is that the Lord is changing my focus. I have had a chance to refocus on how I spend my time. Time is a very precious thing…let’s be wise about how we are going to use ours.

What is Going On with you? How has your life changed for the better? Please share your experiences or suggestions with me in the comments section below.