My “coming of age” was the 60s and 70s… feminism, ERA, first generation college in my family, women’s liberation, Vietnam protests, “hippie” cool culture. I have borne children twice-1973 and 1975. With the first, at 18, I believed my only choice might be abortion. I was wrong. The father and I married and stayed married until his death in 2020. With the second, at 21, it was from IUD contraceptive failure and it was inconvenient timing for my education and future career. I thought abortion was the choice I wanted then until I went to the doctor who said he was going to have to remove the Dalkon Shield and I would probably miscarry anyway. In that split second I knew I wanted that baby, I did not want to lose the life that had begun, and though the IUD was removed, the pregnancy continued. I am forever grateful for a man who viewed life of the unborn as a sacred trust even when I selfishly thought only of my circumstance. I am grateful for God protecting both children from my foolish, youthful, selfish soul and will. And I am grateful for the beautiful children, grandchildren, and great grandchild that have, so far, come from their father and me… not because of me, but because of God, in spite of me. Every child conceived is a test, an invitation from God to put our trust in Him. I would have failed if I alone had had my choice. I have at other times and in other ways. I am grateful for all the ways God calls me to trust Him! And i continue to be tested…
As a friend and college roommate of my husband has always said, “LIFE is a test!” We keep taking the quizzes provided by God until we face the final exam.
The quizzes are always on the same study material….”Will I trust God?” ( or myself, or another?)
Psalm 37:3-5: Three invitations, each with a promise:
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the adesires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 3:5-6- Do you really think you are wiser than God?
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Joshua 24:15
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve …..But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Psalm 118:8/9: at the very center “heart of the Bible”
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.