Mom's Choice

In less than a month, I'll be heading to Israel for the first time!  As if that wasn't exciting enough, I get to go with my Dad!  I keep telling my siblings that he's taking me with him because I'm his favorite!  While that may well be true, (hee hee) the purpose for this trip is much more meaningful.  I will be leading worship at a Pro-Life Conference that my Dad is speaking at.  Rather than trying to explain why it's special for me to be invited along, I thought I'd let my mom tell the story.  After all I wasn't even born yet!  So I'll turn today's blog over to my beautiful Mom. But before that, here's a brief introduction.

 

Meet my mom Joy.  She is a pastor's wife, and mom to four grown kids.  She has overcome much in her life to become a wise woman who loves Jesus and wants her life to reflect Him.  Though I was an expert eye roller, and skilled back ta…

Meet my mom Joy.  She is a pastor's wife, and mom to four grown kids.  She has overcome much in her life to become a wise woman who loves Jesus and wants her life to reflect Him.  Though I was an expert eye roller, and skilled back talker, she never gave up on me.  I'm sure she probably has calloused knees from praying for me relentlessly.  She gives and gives.  That's my mom, and now, here's her story.

 

 

I’m excited to get the chance to tell you my story.  Bill and I had been married for about 6 months when I became pregnant with our first child Bethany.  When she was about 7 months old, I had a suspicion that I was pregnant again.  There were no in-home pregnancy tests at that time, so I headed off to the doctor’s office to confirm the pregnancy.  The nurse came in and told me that, yes, I was indeed pregnant…again!  Her next words shocked me to the core.

 

“You know you don’t have to keep this one.  You have your hands full with your first born, and you can have another one when it’s more convenient, or you’re better set financially.”  

 

Shocked, I didn’t hesitate for a second.  “No thank you.” was my response.

 

“Are you sure?”  She asked.  “It’s a simple procedure.”

 

“Why would i do that?  I didn’t plan this child, but God did.”  I said

 

“Well…what if it has something wrong with it?  You could know that beforehand, and then you could…”

 

I interrupted her sharply  “And then, I would still give birth to, and raise this child.”

 

“Well, it’s up to you.”  She said reluctantly shrugging her shoulders.

 

“Yes, it is!  And I will NOT abort this child.”  I replied firmly.

 

I am thankful everyday that I made the choice for the sanctity of life.

I didn’t plan this child, but God did.

 

You’ve seen Shannon, you’ve heard her sing.  You should hear her teach the Word of God!  Had I made a different decision, I would’ve robbed the world of this voice.  I would have robbed myself of the joys of her childhood, and watching her grow up into the wonderful woman she is.  I would have robbed Jessie, her husband of a wonderful wife.  I would’ve robbed myself of two awesome grand daughters.  The offer was there to "make my life easier", but look at what I would have missed out on.  I’m so thankful I chose life!

 

God bless you guys, and keep doing great things for God.

Joy

 

My Mom and I have been excited to be able to do retreats and women's events together.  She preaches, I sing!  It's pretty special to be able to work alongside your family!

My Mom and I have been excited to be able to do retreats and women's events together.  She preaches, I sing!  It's pretty special to be able to work alongside your family!

 

 

P.S.  

I know the subject of abortion is a sensitive one.  I am completely aware that the choice my mom made is not the choice that perhaps you made.  I want to be sure that you know that in writing this post, I am in no way judging or condemning you for your choice.  We all make choices in life that we wish we could undo.  Trust me, I have made my fair share and then some.  The beauty of having faith that Jesus is real and that all He said is true, is that you don't have to carry the shame from your past.  I would LOVE to chat with you about this if you have any questions or just want to share your story.  We all have our stories, and that's what makes us all so uniquely beautiful!