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In this issue...
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Raising Kids Who Defend Life
By Stephanie Davenport
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SHE WAS AT A SLEEPOVER WITH HER YOUTH
GROUP, THE LEAST LIKELY PLACE YOU WOULD
EXPECT YOUR CHILD'S FAITH TO BE QUESTIONED.
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My 12-year-old daughter spent last summer hanging around our Pregnancy Resource Center while I worked. She stocked diapers, created displays of baby clothing, greeted walk-in clients, and held many babies. She learned a lot about life and abortion. Her time at the center prompted many questions about these issues, and I seized the opportunities for teachable moments about God's truth. Compared to the average child, she's pretty knowledgeable about the sanctity of human life.
Despite her roots in the PRC ministry, my daughter's views were recently shaken. I discovered that although she knew a lot, she didn't know enough. She was at a sleepover with her youth group, the least likely place you would expect your child's faith to be questioned. Her small group leaders had fallen asleep, and my daughter lay awake listening to a couple of the other girls discussing a young celebrity. The diva they were discussing had just faced an unplanned pregnancy outside of marriage. One of the girls was criticizing the pop star for having a baby at such a young age.
At that remark, my daughter became a little agitated and decided to engage in the conversation by saying, "At least she didn't get an abortion." Then one of the other girls fired back. "Sometimes an abortion is the only choice girls have!" she said. "She could have done an adoption plan," my daughter replied. "Adoption is more expensive than abortion, and it's not right to give up your baby," responded the other girl. At that comment, my daughter was stumped. She wasn't sure if what the other girl was saying held any truth or not.
When I picked her up the next morning, she jumped right into the conversation she'd had the night before and asked me if an adoption was more expensive than having an abortion. I explained to her that the costs for adoption were not paid by the pregnant girl, but by the adopting parents. I also told her why adoption is a very loving alternative to abortion. She was relieved that the truth she'd expressed to her peers had held strong, but was disappointed that she didn't know how to respond when she was questioned.
In light of her recent experience, I have recommitted myself to ensuring that my kids have a solid, biblical worldview that can withstand strong challengers. My fellow supporters of life, I would encourage you to do the same. Talk to your kids about abortion, adoption, stem cell research, and euthanasia. Make sure they are well versed on these topics and are able to stand their ground in the face of opposition. After all, they are the life defenders of the future.
| Stephanie Davenport, a free-lance writer, resides in Mahomet, Illinois with her husband and her two children. She is Vice-President of Development for Living Alternatives, a group of 15 pregnancy centers in Illinois and Indiana. She can be contacted at sdavenport@hopeforafuture.com. |
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