HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LOVE BABIES!!

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Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127: 3

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After I retired from my nursing career, I wanted to do something other than sitting home. A friend from church invited me to join her in volunteering at our local pregnancy center. I found joy to become a small part as we shepherded young women who were growing little creations of God into babies. When I moved to Georgia, I volunteered at the pregnancy center there, as well. These agencies are on my heart. As age has curtailed my active role in such ministries, my heart is still there. Much of my fictional writing has some aspect of unplanned pregnancy woven through the stories, and this year I have committed a tithe of my earnings from book sales to our local pregnancy center. (If you have purchased any of my books, you are supporting the ministry, as well.)

Our LORD knows each baby, and He is intimately involved in each life from beginning to end, because He knows each baby from eternity. He knew me before I became a twinkle in my parents’ eyes—from before time.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you. Jeremiah 1: 5

I recently had the opportunity to re-visit the ministry of the first pregnancy center where I’d volunteered. I was so blessed to see how they have grown, from a fledgling organization committed to saving babies’ lives, into a full service means of walking beside both women and their men and families, serving a growing community. Not only are they providing help to women trying to make the right choice in their unplanned pregnancy, but they have also developed a mentoring program for these women, a men’s ministry, a sexual wholeness workshop for local churches (and perhaps other organizations), and an abortion recovery ministry for women who have on-going issues with a decision they made in the past.

Perhaps you see babies from a different perspective. I understand where you are coming from; however, let me share a few verses from God’s perspective:

• Every baby is a miracle and unique person:
  • For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
    I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
    Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139: 13-14

 Jesus loved children and expects us to accept God’s kingdom as a humble child:

• • But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

Luke 18: 16

 As adults, we are commissioned to introduce children to God and how to live for Him:

• • Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: 6

 Children are made for generational blessing and joy:

• • Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
    and the glory of children is their fathers. Proverbs 17: 6

This last verse came home to me in an emotional way last evening. We have had several new babies born in our congregation this year. One new mother asked me if I would like to hold her newborn. I have not held a tiny baby since my last grandson was born thirty years ago. Yes, I had tears of joy in my eyes. What a blessing. My old arms felt full of love.

Challenge:

Consider your own value of human life; Consider getting involved in the ministry of a local pregnancy center in your area: as a volunteer; as a supporter; as a mentor.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, including the tiniest cell of human life, show each of us the value of all your creation, especially the life of all who may call upon Your name for eternal life in Your presence. Amen.

Promise:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny and not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven … Matthew 10: 29-32

I welcome comments and dialogue. jetituswriter@gmail.com