He could have walked away . . .
They were not married, his girlfriend was pregnant, and her family was pressuring her to have an abortion. But instead of walking away, my dad found the courage to propose. Seven months later, I took my first breath, never knowing how close I had been to death’s door. I will be forever thankful for my parents’ courage and God’s providence.
Taking a Stand for Life
This Father’s Day, let us celebrate fathers who stand up for life, and who devote themselves to loving and caring for their families. At the same time, may we come compassionately embrace fathers who were never given that chance; never given a voice.
Often when the topic of abortion comes up, we think of the children or their mothers, but they are not the only victims. Abortion hurts everyone. If destroying the lives of children and scarring the souls of women was not enough, abortion strips fathers of their God-given design as provider and protector. In short, it steals both their voice and their vote when an unexpected pregnancy arises.
Once a pregnancy occurs, many men swallow the lie that becoming a father is a choice, failing to recognize that the moment a child is conceived, he is already a father. The only choice remains is what kind of father will he choose to be?
Courage is a Choice
Courage is a choice. I am forever grateful for my father’s choice. Each year, Father’s Day is more than a date on my calendar. It is an annual reminder that I am alive because one man chose not to abandon the mother of his child, but had the courage to stand with her and choose life. I would not be alive today were it not for their courage.
“Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” (Psalm 127:3-5)
If you or someone you know has suffered the heartbreak of abortion, my Bible study, Worthy of Love: A Journey of Hope and Healing After Abortion, has helped many wounded hearts find hope and healing. We all know someone who needs hope.
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
Shadia,
This is an excellent post regarding your own father. What a blessing and an
encouragement. I was touched and very encouraged by your story. Thank
you for being willing to be vulnerable in so many ways – for the sake of
God’s Kingdom and His Glory. I would like other friends to read this.
I also appreciated what you said in calling post abortive men to change
their thinking.
Thank you, Brenna, for your kind words and encouragement!
What a precious article. Thank for for your courage and honesty in speaking out! May God continue to bless your ministry. Love you.
Keep writing, God is using you! And I thank Him for that.
Bless you, Annette. Thank you for your kind encouragement!