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In this issue...
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A Christmas Story
By Carol Van Atta
Alone, pregnant, and afraid—not the words most of us consider while reflecting on our Savior's mother and the feelings she must have felt during the first weeks and possibly months of her pregnancy. We picture a loving Joseph, a cozy stable, and a Mary filled with joy. Certainly, there was joy, but I suspect Mary, who wasn't more than 14 or 15 years old, was actually terrified. After all, it wasn't every day a girl got pregnant out of wedlock and by God Himself! Most of the Jewish population expected the mother of their Messiah to be royalty, not a common girl engaged to a carpenter.
What did her parents think? What about her friends or her neighbors? Before the angel appeared to Joseph, did he calmly accept his wife-to-be's scandalous circumstances? Sex outside of marriage was punishable by death. Did he consider, even for a moment, raising a stone to throw at his betrothed as the law required? Had Joseph denied Mary his name, where would she have gone?
Thankfully, Mary didn't have to answer that final question, but there are so many single, pregnant women in our world who do. Yes, many of them have made poor choices that led to an "unplanned" pregnancy. I refuse to say unwanted, because God wants all of His children. No one is created without God's hands in the design, married or not. Certainly committing to purity and having sex only within the bounds of marriage is God's ideal; however, the staggering statistics easily demonstrate that God's best is not always the norm in our world today.
With Planned Parenthood popping up on every corner almost as quickly as a certain coffee shop, it's no wonder girls in Mary's predicament often make the wrong choice. This upcoming Christmas, women will come through the doors of your center uncertain of what tomorrow brings. In Christian homes, the "what would the neighbor think" syndrome still poses a huge barrier to young girls seeking support.
TODAY'S PREGNANT WOMEN
ARE NOT CARRYING THE
MESSIAH, BUT THEY ARE
INDEED RESPONSIBLE
FOR A PRECIOUS AND
PRICELESS TREASURE.
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What happens when you have a girl who has nowhere to turn? Where do you send her? In the days ahead it will become even more critical that centers partner with other resources in their community. Saving and sustaining life is a team effort. As the Outreach Coordinator and Case Manager for one such maternity program, I know the increasing importance of community partnerships. So often the center is the first step for these expecting women. But what happens after they make the decision for life? How can we better ensure they have what they need to follow through in the future?
Today's pregnant women are not carrying the Messiah, but they are indeed responsible for a precious and priceless treasure—a treasure that deserves the best of care. It is imperative that we stay up to date on new programs in our area and make sure every woman has the opportunity for a safe, fresh start. Sadly, many girls will end up with what I refer to as "stable circumstances." Unlike Mary of the Bible, they more than likely do not have a supportive Joseph by their side. Their stable may be an empty, dark hospital room. The Wise Men and shepherds are not coming. There is no star; and they will give birth alone. With little or no support, they may be tempted to return to old life patterns if this cycle is not interrupted by something better, something lasting.
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THE CURRENT "STABLE"
MAY BE AN EMPTY,
DARK HOSPITAL ROOM.
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There are several things every agency can do during the holidays to increase clients' chances for success:
- Have someone research, verify, and update all local resources that provide food, clothing, and short-term shelter.
- Partner with your local maternity homes to ensure you fully understand their policies and procedures for accepting new clients. Stay in touch and build relationships with such programs.
- Ask your client more questions. Dig deep! Does she really have a safe place to go? What are her plans for the future?
- Remember, we are not just saving one life, but two lives, (and generations beyond) if we are able to help stabilize a woman and transfer her care to a program that can provide additional, longer-term services.
- Consider a joint fundraiser, and possibly "piggy back" off another agency's promotional programs (with their approval, of course). Embrace the mindset that this is a cooperative project involving numerous resources to help save and change lives.
This season, we can do more than show these women the miracle of life they carry inside, we can help them unwrap the gifts of new, better years to come. Those years can start with this New Year!
| Carol Van Atta, author and inspirational speaker, serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Bethany House, a maternity program in Gresham, Oregon. For more information contact: www.carolvanatta.com and www.bethanyhousenet.org. |
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