Christmas Choices, Part 3: Joseph’s Choice

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

[Joseph] was a just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame. (Matthew 1:19, ESV)

For You From The Word

Joseph's Choice

Joseph faced a choice: his fiancée Mary was pregnant. What should he do?

From a personal standpoint, consider Joseph’s hurt and humiliation. The baby was not his and the truth would soon be known in his small village of Nazareth (population: 200).

The cultural expectation would be for Joseph to end their relationship and potentially have a hand in Mary’s social rejection (at the least) or her death by stoning (at the worst.)

Yet Joseph was “a just man and unwilling to put [Mary] to shame” (Matthew 1:19, ESV). His heart was open to taking the best course of action for all involved. Rather than operating impulsively, he approached the situation carefully and deliberately.

God honored Joseph’s willingness. In a dream, God gave Joseph clear validation about the paternity of the child. Joseph acted on the information, took Mary as his wife, and raised Jesus as his son.

Joseph’s choice is an example of honor to men whose partners face an unplanned pregnancy.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus into the world so that we might live through Him. Work in the hearts of men whose partners face an unplanned pregnancy. Show them how to make honorable choices and take action in the best interests of all those involved.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Christmas Choices

Christmas Choices: The Magi’s Choice

Christmas Choices: Jesus’s Choice

Christmas Choices: The Father’s Choice

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Christmas Choices, Part 2: Mary’s Choice

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

“I am the servant of the Lord,” she said. “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV).

For You To Think About

woman prayingPut yourself into the sandals of a 15-year-old first century Jewish girl. You just discovered you are pregnant, yet you’ve never been intimate with a man. How will your fiancé react? And more frightening, in your culture an out-of-wedlock pregnancy can mean death by stoning.

If you were Mary, an unplanned pregnancy was a clear problem.

Consider the ways you might face it: with fear … demands … aggressive defense … anger … lies … denial … a full-blown temper tantrum …

Mary went another route. Not only did she choose life, but her response was humble and unpretentious: “I am the servant of the Lord,” she said. “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV).

Surely an unplanned pregnancy was not part of Mary’s hopes and dreams. But with God’s help she was able to embrace the change in circumstances and move forward with having and raising her child.

Mary’s choice is a powerful example for those who face an unplanned pregnancy.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus into the world so that we might live through Him. Work in the hearts of pregnant women. Move in them to choose as You did … to choose life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Devotionals about Christmas Choices

Mary Sought Out a Friend During Pregnancy

Mary’s First Response

She Could Have Said “No” to Life

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Christmas Choices, Part 1: God’s Choice

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9, ESV)

For You To Think About

pregnant girl prayingThe Christmas season is full of choices: what gifts to give … what cookies to bake … what celebrations to attend … who to invite to join you for Christmas Day …

Yet the whole idea of Christmas itself originated with a choice made by God the Father. He chose to send Jesus to us. 1 John 4:9 tells us, “God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”

Typically, “to send” means “to deliver.”

But here, “to send” translates as “to set apart on a mission.” God’s choice to send Jesus was driven by a purposeful decision: He wanted us to live. He sent Jesus to make that possible.

His choice led to our survival.

A pregnant woman, too, faces a choice. Her choice leads to the survival of a child.

Encourage her to use God as her role model … and choose life.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus into the world so that we might live through Him. Work in the hearts of pregnant women. Move in them to choose as You did … to choose life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Devotionals about Christmas Choices

A Woman’s Choice Endures for Centuries

The Choice Jesus Faced

Mangers for Modern-Day Moms: How to Provide Practical Help

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Words Matter: A Primer for Positive Adoption Language

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21, ESV)

For You To Think About

Words matter. The words you use about adoption can bring life, hope, and healing.

Refer to this primer for positive adoption language to use words to help raise awareness about the benefits and strengths of adoption.

young family of 3Use “make an adoption plan”
Instead of “give up for adoption”

Use “child placed for adoption”
Instead of “unwanted child” or “unwanted pregnancy”

Use “birth parents”
Instead of “real parents”

Use “my child”
Instead of “adopted child”

Use “child with special needs”
Instead of “handicapped child”

Thanks to USA Adoptions for material used in this post.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for the gift of adoption. Help me use words that bring life and hope to birth parents, their children, and adoptive families.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Devotionals about Adoption Awareness

Birthmothers in MTV Documentary Consider Adoption

Country Music Star Rodney Atkins on Adoption

Every Child is a Wanted Child, Regardless of Circumstances

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7 Simple Ways to Raise Adoption Awareness

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

For You To Think About

church team working together to raise adoption awarenessDuring National Adoption Awareness Month in November, you have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the benefits of adoption.

But you needn’t be an eloquent speaker or have a nationwide platform in order to have an impact for adoption. God uses people who make themselves available. Try these small steps to make a difference for children and families in the adoption triad.

  1. Connect to social media adoption sites. Find adoption organizations online and comment about their work with orphans, foster children, and adoptive families.
  2. Use positive adoption language. Refer to “birth parents who place a child for adoption” rather than “real parents who give up a child.”
  3. Invite your local library to feature adoption-related books and resources during November.
  4. Offer encouragement to those in the adoption triad. Send a note or card to birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees you know.
  5. Support a couple seeking to adopt. Adoption costs range from $10,000 to $25,000. If you know a prospective adoptive couple, offer to give a gift to financially support their adoption and share their story with others in your circle.
  6. Wear an adoption bracelet. When people notice the bracelet, explain its significance.
  7. Pray. Lift up birth parents, children, and adoptive families who will come together through adoption.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for the gift of adoption. Let the month of November to raise awareness about adoption. Begin with me, Lord, and use me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Devotionals about Adoption Awareness

Adoption Myth #1: You Won’t Know What Happens to Your Child

Adoption Myth #2: Placing a Child Is Irresponsible

Adoption Myth #3: There Is No Role for the Birth Father

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Did Your Pregnancy Counselor Ask These Questions?

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. (Proverbs 20:18, NLT)

For You To Think About

woman with counselorHow many babies’ lives have been lost when women are not given competent pregnancy counseling?

Former abortion clinic workers describe they are trained to counsel pregnant women by assuming that the woman knows what she wants and has already made a decision to terminate. These counselors are taught to couch their language so as not to “scare” women and prevent them from completing the procedure.

Yet so many times it is thorough, compassionate pregnancy counseling allows a woman a true choice. If you or someone you know faces an unplanned pregnancy, be sure to connect with a pregnancy counselor who asks these questions and offers this information.

  • The counselor refers to your “baby,” “fetus,” or “embryo.” This language humanizes the pregnancy. Skewed counseling simply refers to “the tissue,” “the products of conception,” or “the contents of the uterus.”
  • The counselor explains fetal development. She will show you pictures of what your baby looks like at your current phase of pregnancy.
  • The counselor offers a translator to you if you do not speak English.
  • The counselor meets with you privately, not only for confidentiality but also for your protection. (An abusive partner or overbearing family member who is part of the counseling may coerce a woman into the procedure … a procedure that is allegedly “a choice.”)
  • The counselor explains choices including the adoption option, maternity homes, and birthing centers.
  • The counselor asks if you have questions … if you want to talk about your decision … if you need anything or any help.

A pregnant woman is in a very vulnerable position. Often confused and afraid, she is at the cusp of making momentous life decisions. Objective, caring pregnancy counseling can make a difference for her not only in the moment, but for the rest of her life.

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Touch the lives of pregnancy counselors. Give them wisdom and courage to share complete information. Let the hearts of the women they counsel be open to Your guidance.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More about Pregnancy Counseling

Pregnant Teen: “Pregnancy Counseling Made the Difference”

Sidewalk Counseling Saves Lives

Long-Distance Counseling Provides Pregnant Women with Support

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Conceived in Rape: “I Owe My Life to Pro-Life Advocates”

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up. (Psalm 27:10, AMP)

For You To Think About

Rebecca Kiessling and her birth mom

Rebecca Kiessling and her birth mom

Rebecca Kiessling had been adopted at birth after being conceived out of a brutal rape at knifepoint by a serial rapist.

Yet her birth mother had not chosen life. Rebecca was nearly aborted twice at the hands of back-alley abortionists. Had abortions been legal in her state of birth at the time Rebecca conceived, her birth mother would have aborted her.

But because of prolife activism and laws protecting the unborn at the time, Rebecca’s birth mother was not able to terminate Rebecca’s life.

Rebecca struggled with her identity and self-worth over the years until she came understand how God views her. “My identity, value, and purpose are not established as being a product rape,” she tells other adoptees and women who face an unplanned pregnancy. “But as a child of God.” Today, Rebecca readily testifies as to how God used prolife advocates and their work to protect her when she was yet unborn.

She met her birth mother 25 years ago and today the two women enjoy a wonderful, mutually-supportive relationship. Her birth mother has since become staunchly prolife. “I’m so glad I had you!”  were her words to Rebecca on Rebecca’s 44th birthday.

“Prolife advocates chose life for me,” says Rebecca, who today is the happily married mother of 5, a prolife speaker, and former family law attorney. “They are my heroes. I owe my life to them.”

For You To Pray

Gracious Father,
Thank You for those who advocate for life. Move in their hearts to stand firm and press on. Allow more laws to be passed to protect the unborn, even those conceived in rape.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More About Pregnancy and Rape

Miss Pennsylvania Makes Beauty from Ashes

Hope Is Born in Rape Aftermath

A Friend’s Story: Rape Victim Carries Baby to Term, Uses Pregnancy for Good

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What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 6: Child Care

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

I looked for someone among them who would … stand before me in the gap. (Ezekiel 22:30, NIV)

For You To Think About

Professor May I Bring My Baby to Class?Is it enough to tell a student to carry an unplanned pregnancy to term? If we are to encourage these young women and men to choose life and they decide to parent, then after delivery we must help them care for their children so they can finish school.

A student parent not only must attend class but also find someone to care for her infant while she is there.

“Child care is probably the most critical piece that a student parent needs to be successful,” says Sherrill Mosee, author of Professor, May I Bring My Baby to Class? (FCS Books, 2009).

A majority of student parents rely on family members and friends to care for their children while they are in class. Just one in twenty colleges and universities offer on-site daycare to students. So when plans fall through, student parents must skip class, drop courses, or in some cases stop attending altogether in order to make sure their children are safe and cared for.

Here is where you and your church can step in the gap. You can help connect parenting high school and college students with no-cost or low-cost, loving child care … whether by recruiting individual volunteers, finding in-kind support from local child care centers, or identifying other community organizations that provide child care.

Imagine the impact you and your church could have on the next two generations – the young moms and dads who are trying to stay in school and complete their degrees, and also their children – by stepping in the gap to provide child care while these students are in class.

For You To Pray

Heavenly Father,
We want to remove any obstacles for pregnant students to choose life. Show me and others how we can provide child care support for student parents so they can complete their education. Raise up people who will love and care for these young parents and their children.
In Jesus name, Amen.

More About College Students and Pregnancy

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 5: A Place to Live

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 4: Financial Support

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 3: Vision

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What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 5: Housing

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. (Leviticus 25:35, NIV)

For You To Think About

Almost one in four of enrolled college students in the United States is also raising a dependent child.

These students have chosen life!

Now having chosen life and having chosen to parent, these students face other challenges – for many, the simple question of where to live. While many colleges will allow students to live in dorms during pregnancy, most dorms are not equipped to house infants and children. Other housing options are too expensive or too far away from campus.

If you or someone you know is a pregnant or parenting student, consider these options:

  • Work with the Campus Housing Director. These professionals have access to listings and resources you can use so that you can live safely and affordably. They want to help you find a place to live so you can stay in school. Let them.
  • Apply for on-campus family housing. One in four student parents attend colleges that offer on-campus family housing, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.
  • Investigate maternity homes. Many are located in or near college towns with the express purpose of providing housing for students and their children.
  • Consider living with a family member. If you attend college in or near your hometown, weigh the option of living for a short time with a family member. Put into a place a start date and end date, with a plan to live independently when you finish your degree.
  • Look into community single parent housing. Family Scholar House (Louisville, KY), for example, offers stable housing for single parents and their children while the parent finishes his or her degree.

If we are eager for pregnant college students to choose life, we must also be willing to help them find a place to live so they can continue with their education.

For You To Pray

Heavenly Father,
We want to remove any obstacles for pregnant students to choose life. Guide these women to the people and resources they need to have stable housing during pregnancy and after giving birth. Show me and others how to help them.
In Jesus name, Amen.

More About College Students and Pregnancy

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 4: Financial Support

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 3: Vision

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 2: To Know Their Legal Rights

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What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 4: Financial Resources

Posted on August 26, 2019 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

For You To Think About

Many women buy into the myth that once they become pregnant, they can’t afford college.

But they cannot afford to drop out. The National Institutes of Health reports that mothers with at least a two-year degree or a bachelor’s degree face almost no risk of living in poverty.

That’s a good reason for you or a pregnant college student you know to get a degree. You can do so when you take these steps to find the financial resources to stay in school.

  • Work with a financial aid counselor. Financial aid staffers at your college have a goal: to produce graduates. Let them do their job – let them help you. They are aware of special resources available to pregnant and parenting students at your institution. They will also point you to special benefits available in your area, such as child care for full-time students.
  • Know your financial status. Once you become a parent, you are considered an “independent” student for financial aid purposes. Nearly all independent students qualify for more tuition assistance than those classified as dependents, including special government grants. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to find out your benefit.
  • Check with your state. In many cases, state-specific scholarships for single parents are actually offered through the state’s college or university system. Contact your state higher education agency to find out what scholarships or grants are offered to single moms and dads.
  • Apply for scholarships. A wealth of private organizations and foundations provide scholarships for pregnant and parenting women. Check with Pregnant on Campus for a listing . Register with FastWeb , an online scholarship matching service, to receive scholarship notifications by email that are tailored to match your profile as a parent.

God provides an array of financial resources to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting students. When you can know how to find them, you can use them to finish your degree … or be a tremendous resource for someone you know who faces and unplanned pregnancy.

For You To Pray

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for providing for all our needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus – even the financial needs of a pregnant or parenting college student. Point these women and men where to find the resources they need to finish their education. Show me and others how to help them.
In Jesus name, Amen.

More About College Students and Pregnancy

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 3: Vision

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 2: To Know Their Legal Rights

What Pregnant College Students Need, Part 1: University Support

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