On January 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday of January (or close to that) as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.
An unplanned pregnancy and hope
Recently, the season of Christmas, my quiet time in the mornings, combined with a vote I made towards the end of last year in my role as county commissioner to financially support pregnancy resources in Ottawa County, has caused me to spend much time reflecting and pondering.
My thoughts zero in on Jesus’ mother Mary. Young Mary faced an unplanned pregnancy. And while her pregnancy was because she had found favor from God and was from the Holy Spirit and not from being with a man, she too, must have faced some pretty big difficulties and hurdles to overcome.
Some of my thoughts and pondering include:
* Mary potentially not being believed by her family – including Joseph who she was betrothed to
* The potential shaming and disappointment that others may have placed on her
* The interruption of what she thought her life was going to be like and uncertainty of her future
* Feeling different and possibly being treated differently
* Potentially not fitting in with others her age
* Delivering her baby in a barn, away from the comforts of home
* Not being well off financially
And then I think about how God cared deeply for Mary and Joseph and how he demonstrated how personal He is.
A couple of the practical ways God showed up:
* God provided a support system for Mary, possibly while Joseph was still wrestling with doubts (and potentially her own family as well). Mary went to stay with her cousin Elizabeth for a decent amount of her pregnancy.
* While definitely a humble abode, a stable was found for Mary to rest and to give birth.
I believe that the many young women that find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy today are also deeply loved by God – this includes love for their unborn baby. Jesus was born to be God with us – He came to save the lost and broken – which is all of us without Him in our lives.
We have a great opportunity to come alongside of these women (and men) to provide a support system if they need one and to make sure they have resources that are needed to support a life affirming decision for their child.
I am grateful for those in our community that are faithfully walking alongside of women, men and their children. And for those who are contributing financially to support the work that positively affects generations to come.
Each person, born or unborn, is valuable and made in the image of God.
