today is "sanctity of human life" sunday. this day was established to put a focus on the value of human existence and every individual's inherent right to life as acknowledged by the american founding fathers. it is observed on the sunday in january closest to the anniversary of the roe v. wade and doe v. bolton decisions handed down by the U.S. supreme court on january 22, 1973.
the observance recognizes the millions of aborted babies, now numbering nearly 52 million, as well as the value of all human life young or old, yet unborn or facing end-of-life decisions.
i've written here before that thanks to jonathan, the topic of the sanctity of human life is closer to my heart than ever. after facing the option to abort as the world's "right answer" to the "mistake" that was jonathan, i can honestly say that choosing to keep him resulted in quite possibly one of the biggest blessings i've ever received. i'm not here to condemn anyone who chose the other option. i'm just here to let people know there is another option; one that carries with it great peace, and even joy. i will carry those precious moments with jonathan with me the rest of my life.
i've also mentioned a couple times before that greg and i got some public criticism for choosing to keep him. the most common complaint was that we were selfish because jonathan was surely suffering. what i'm not sure about is if those same people realize what our other option was. abortion is horribly violent. most abortions involve the fetus being ripped apart while it's alive while being vacuumed out. late term abortions involve scissors being jammed into the back of the head to kill the fetus. the baby is then discarded as medical waste, or even into the trash can. i hate to be so graphic, but THAT was our only other option. the amount of suffering jonathan had at any point in his life pales in comparison to the suffering of abortion. besides, we were assured by doctors that jonathan was not suffering at any point.
the good news for those affected by decisions to abort, and something i just love about God, is that no matter what we've done in the past, He welcomes us in.
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." ~Psalm 103:12
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9
"This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." ~1 John 3:19-20
i love this song about God's invitation...
1.24.2010
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As always, wonderfully said!
ReplyDeleteI just recently learned about the partial birth abortion procedure and was completely horrified. Having seen Henry and Jonathan who were both premature but fully formed babies nontheless I was brought to tears at the thought of perfectly healthy babies being put to death in such a violent way. Our choice was the only choice, and even though it was difficult, we knew it was what God wanted us to do. Thank you for continuing to use this blog as a forum for helping others in this same situation!
ReplyDeleteI love that song! What are wonderful way to end my day :)
ReplyDeleteSister, all I can say is AMEN!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful writer and a wonderful example of the grace God offers those who choose to embrace Him. I have been reading Jonathan's story from the beginning and have not yet finished but just wanted you to know how inspirational you have been to me as I walk the path of life without my daughter. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey with us.
Love,
Katy
hannahshonor.blogspot.com