I had the perfect morning planned out. Ben was leaving at 7:30 with all three kiddos to take them to his mom, who watches them on Wednesdays while I work. I didn't have to be to work until 8:30 for an 8:40 parent teacher conference. The house was messy, but I'd already decided that I didn't care and was going to head to Starbucks with a recent gift-card gift from a student, sit with a non-fat no water chai, and read my Bible. Doesn't that sound like a great morning? I was excited.
Well, one thing led to another and before I knew it I was flying out the door at 8:10 to trade cars with Ben. We switched, and I headed off to work.
I drive by what I've only come to assume is a "Planned Parenthood" type of place. I'm not sure that's what it is, but I'm fairly certain they do abortions. They typically have a few people outside waving over-the-top ridiculously sarcastic picket signs, designed to mock "pro-life" people. I think it's a weird approach, but whatever. It really doesn't bother me. They can do what they want, even though I don't agree. Moving on...
Today was different, though. A new sign caught my attention. Hanging on the fence near the entrance gate was a sign with arrows pointing to the gate and the words "BABY DISPOSAL". I literally felt like I had been punched in the gut. I had to remember to breathe, and then not to puke. I had to suck back tears; after all, I was headed for parent teacher conferences, and "frazzled teacher with red eyes and make-up all over" doesn't exactly speak "professional". But all I could think was "WHY, God?"
Why? Why was that written? Who's heart could be so angry, tainted, and jaded that those words would flow out and be plastered up on a huge board for all to see? How could those words even be allowed to be spoken or written? My heart hurt for all the "disposed" babies given no chance at life. But, subtly, my heart also ached for those people who wrote those words.
I continued driving down McCarran to hop on the freeway at Virginia St. It was then that I saw what was quite possibly the ugliest piece of new "freeway art" that I've ever seen or could ever imagine seeing. It was made up of a round silver base, and had red stick-like things pointing up out of it in all directions. It was super tall, super ridiculous, and totally ugly. By this point, I was wondering if I was caught in some sort of sci-fi tv show. It was only 8:20 in the morning, and I had already experienced so many mixed emotions.
I thought I had enough time to quickly grab a chai. The most convenient Starbucks on my route happens to be sloooowwwwest Starbucks in town. This left me running in the door just in time for my conferences to start.
Not exactly the morning I'd envisioned.
Fast forward to 2:30. I'm off work, driving to Carson City (30 minute drive) to get my kids from Grammy. All my mind would think about was the sign I saw earlier. There has to be something I can do! Ben recently had a conversation with someone from work who wondered why all the "pro-lifers" don't do something about it-like adopt those babies who would otherwise be aborted. What a thought, isn't it? I haven't stopped thinking about it since. If these babes were to be kept and put for adoption, who would care for them? What is our responsibility in all this? Do we have a responsibility?
The Bible says we are to care for the "widows and orphans" (James 1:27). Surely we can pray for these little lives, but is that enough? Like we see in James 2:16, wishing someone to "stay warm and eat well" doesn't do much good. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17). There has to be an action. Where is the action? Does this mean everyone is supposed to adopt a child? I don't think so, but I could always be wrong. I do, however, believe that we can do something, I just don't know what it is. How do we help orphaned children without adopting? How do we get involved? How do I teach my children to hold a high value for life and for caring for others without the "because I/dad/God said so" being the driving force? How do I help them live it, and have it engrained in their hearts?
I have no answers. Just rambling thoughts. Lots of them. I could go on. There's just so much to think about. I do pray that God would give me a heart to care for whomever he might put in my way. Whoa. A little scary, huh?
i think i drove past that place a few times with protestors standing out front. not a fan of that. i feel you. instead of signs with ugly words and condemnation pointed to these women, i would rather see a Jesus movement of love and compassion, and "what can i do for you?" kind of attitude. i often think why can't people actually go through the pregnancy regardless if they want the baby and put it up for adoption instead of having an abortion that probably leaves them with more issues. i guess that leaves the church with more reason to pray and serve these widows and orphans and even women who make these decisions. through this, we can know that Jesus is greater than these choices and leaves an opportunity for even greater healing for both parties. maybe you found another passion and opportunity to serve. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove this post, I've had similar thoughts so many times. Recently I've been praying about finding my purpose and fufilling my passion to help others rather than just "praying without action" as you said. Thank you for this inspiring post, it got my creative juices flowing!
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Amanda
ReplyDeleteThe decision between abortion and adoption is deeply personal, often resembling a punch to the gut as individuals grapple with profound emotions and ethical considerations. Abortion entails the termination of a pregnancy, a choice made for various reasons including health concerns, financial constraints, or personal circumstances.
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