The Works of God

As frequently happens, God was getting me ready for Sunday’s sermon through an entirely unexpected avenue.

I was pointed to Cassie McLellend’s blog posting on Saturday evening and was gripped by several things she had to write, all of which are in quotes below:

It upsets me that doctors tell woman awful, terrifying things about their baby and then push them toward abortion.  We were told horrible things when we found out Caleb had SB, and we were “offered” termination at least 4 times.  I remember the doctor being shocked that we had no intention of aborting.

This is an example of the cultural weight against our children with disabilities.  Are parents really making an informed choice, or are their natural fears, limited information, and trust in experts guiding them?

I don’t mean any of this to be hurtful to someone who has had an abortion.  My heart breaks for the women who made that choice or felt like they had to make that choice.

What a reminder; this broke my heart for a different reason.  I spend a great deal of time and thought on arguments against abortion, especially addressing those in leadership who support this horrible practice: pastors, seminary and university professors, government leaders.  I have assumed people will understand I have a high level of care for the mothers involved.  But as I reviewed my own blog posts, I couldn’t see much evidence of that care.  This point that Cassie made, in particular, prepared me for Pastor John’s sermon; my heart was wide open when he came to his example of the university sophomore.

On another note, I have decided NOT to make this blog private.  At least not now.  I hate the thought that a parent expecting a child with SB might miss out on seeing this blog, seeing how wonderful Caleb is, because I decided to go private.  I wish I knew about blogs like mine when I was pregnant with Caleb.  It would have made a world of difference.

YES!  This young man stands as evidence of grace.  He has purpose and is already impacting people’s lives for the sake of the kingdom.  And from the comments to her post, Cassie has a broad audience and is helping guide people into different kinds of questions.  I’m grateful for this example.

And Greg Lucas has updated his blog as well.  I continue to learn new things every time he writes.  He reminds me that in the midst of extraordinary suffering, God demonstrates his power and mercy and grace.