For You From The Word
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. (Nehemiah 4:14)
For You To Think About
Extended family members are often forgotten casualties in the unplanned pregnancy equation.
Three true stories …
Brenda clicked off her phone and sat down at the kitchen table, burying her head in her hands. Her daughter had just discovered she was pregnant – unexpectedly, with no birth father in the picture. Brenda couldn’t think of one person she could talk to about her daughter’s unplanned pregnancy. She had never felt so alone, ashamed, and bewildered.
Anger rose in Jeff’s throat. His sister was pregnant. The guy threatened to leave her unless she got an abortion. That she was considering his demand frustrated Jeff even further. Jeff felt powerless.
Janice’s niece was pregnant. Shock, disbelief, betrayal – Janice saw them on her brother and sister-in-law’s faces during her niece’s announcement at dinner. Meanwhile, her niece couldn’t hide the hurt at their rejection. How can I show support to all three? Janice wondered.
Families need support during an unplanned pregnancy
Family members may not be the ones who are expecting. But they need support, too. Brenda needed a loving, listening ear. Jeff needed a sounding board with whom to process his anger. Janice needed wise counsel.
Don’t forget the family. Supporting those impacted by a pregnancy is another way to encourage life.
For You To Pray
Gracious Father,
Give me opportunities to show support to family members connected with an unplanned pregnancy. Allow me to listen, encourage, and give hope with the love of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.