My prayer vigil last night was again very inspiring. There is a lovely group of people there from 5:00 - 6:00 who are from our wonderful Hispanic community. The way they pray and sing is inspiring in itself. You can tell that they are so deeply connected to this cause. Last night they sang several songs in Spanish. I had no idea what they were singing, but they were so joyful in praising the Lord and I joined in by dancing as they were and smiling. They have really inspired me to really FEEL what I'm there for.
A precious soul saved . . . . .
Name: Noah Michael Shrader
DOB: October 18, 1999
Weight: 6 lb. 7 oz.
On June 3rd 1999 we were told through ultrasound that our son Noah Michael had a rare brain disorder. Numerous doctors told us that our son would never make it through birth and that if he did he would die very soon afterwards. Some doctors told us that abortion was the best option or all involved including the child. Once we told the doctor that we did not believe in abortion they were very distant in the the visits my wife and I made to their offices. One doctor told us that our son had a condition that was not compatible with life and aborting him would save him lots of pain. Our son was born October 18th full term crying his head off. While he had problems he survived for 10 months. We just buried him on August 23, 2000 and must say that my son's life was a joyful experience that many people would have missed out on if we had aborted him. He touched many people in his life time and will be remembered for years to come by lots of people.
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Day 10 - March 18
Intention:
May those who hold life as trivial realize that we live because God wills it so.
Scripture:
Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
-- Job 12:9-10
Reflection:
Job was a man acquainted with grief, trials and tribulation. He had everything taken from him, including his family. He endured sickness, ridicule and judgment from his friends. Everyone gave him advice about his situation, questioning his spirituality and his God. Job's circumstances were bad but he never loses faith. Why? Because "the hand of the Lord has made all life." Created by God, he knows his life has meaning and purpose, regardless of the circumstances.
In our present culture, we've lost that basic truth; every life is made and allowed to live by God's sovereign authority. As people who pride ourselves on our independence, we have a hard time acknowledging our dependence on God. From our creation, when we were knit together in our mother's womb to our last breath, God's word is clear that "in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
It's time for us as individuals, and as a society, to recognize that we exist by God's grace and turn back to Him, honoring His word and His teachings. Why? Because our world is full of Jobs, people who are dealing with trials and tribulations and hurting desperately. Job's response should be ours as well. Regardless of what we face (even an unplanned pregnancy) God in His wisdom and mercy will redeem it. How do I know? Job's friends who doubted God's sovereignty cry out to God asking for help, God instructs Job to pray for his friends and after he does, God restores all that Job had lost. In other words, because Job never lost faith and knew and trusted His Creator, the Lord blessed Job.
Prayer:
Thank you Father God for being the Creator of my life and every life. Please give me, and the society in which I live, an appreciation for your gift of life. Please help us set aside our pride and acknowledge that we need you. Show me how I can honor you today in response to all the blessings you bestow so freely. In the name of Jesus, amen.
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