James' Story:Lucia was in her early twenties when she met Joseph, the man who was to become her husband, at a church sponsored dance.
Lucia and Joseph decided that the "ideal" family they would like to build together, given God's grace and blessing, would include exactly three children.
Through eleven years together, God provided according to their desires and His will. He gave three healthy children (two boys and a girl in the middle)!
When the children, Thomas, Clare and Robert were just 7, 4 and 2 years old, Lucia felt a familiar physical feeling come over her - she believed that she might be pregnant for a fourth time. She visited the family doctor to confirm the pregnancy she suspected and undergo a routine exam.
Lucia was indeed pregnant for a fourth child, but early during this unexpected time the doctor discovered a problem and he hospitalized her immediately - she had a cancer raging uncontrolled in her colon!
The doctor and surgeon prescribed an abortion, and surgery to remove the cancer- as the only and best possible treatment they could offer.
Lucia was just 35 years old and less than 2 months into her pregnancy. She and her husband already have three small children -exactly what they had "planned". She had given up a fashion design career she had begun when she was single to have and care for the family she bore. Lucia was deeply devoted to her three small children and husband. They all needed her.
The baby growing inside of her was less than an inch long. The fetus already looked human. Brain waves were present in the growing baby. The eyes, ears, nose, toes and fingers were formed, the heart was beating for its fourth week. Blood flowed. Reflexes occurred and parts of the skin were already sensitive to touch. Fingerprints had started to form along with lines on the palms of the hands.
But, Lucia's life was in mortal danger, she was just 35 years old, and she had much to do and to live for. The baby's life was also in mortal danger. He was just 8 weeks old. His mother's womb had suddenly become a very dangerous place to live, but- he had no "choice".
Lucia made her decision -not last year, -not ten years ago, nor even 20 years ago, -but over 40 years ago in the fall of 1955! At that time there were no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines or computed tomography (CAT) scans available for carefully calculated precise measurement and diagnosis of the growing cancer. Crude chemotherapy treatments were available, but, laser or orthoscopic surgery tools or sophisticated biochemical treatments were not. Cancer was greatly feared- justifiably so, because there was remarkably little that doctors could do but possibly isolate the cancer by surgical removal. Slim hopes usually relied on surgery and getting it all, if possible.
Lucia understood God's perspective in this situation. The decision for her was clear. Why? Simply put, she knew what was right. She knew the value of life. Lucia was determined to keep the child, a gift from God, the author of life, the creator of all things, who said:
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
Lucia refused the abortion, but underwent surgery in October of 1955 at about 8 weeks of pregnancy to remove most of her colon. As a result, she lived the rest of her life with a colostomy.
". . . for that means life to you and length of days . . ."
God blessed her family with a complete cure of the cancer and many more years of life on earth for Lucia. Years enough that she would witness the birth of all six of her grandchildren. They would grow old enough to have their own memories of her. He brought her much comfort and peace as her health failed, gently and mercifully putting her mind at ease. His providence was truly amazing as time and time again he sent her just what she needed to move from this life to Him with grace and mercy. His plans for her complete, the Lord brought her home to everlasting life in 1995.
James married Bonnie and now they have two children of their own, gifts from God.
Their family is prolife.
Intention:
Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.
Scripture:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20-21
Reflection:
God's power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength.
Consider God's hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest."
Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect."
It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?
Prayer:
God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, Amen.
Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.
Scripture:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20-21
Reflection:
God's power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength.
Consider God's hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest."
Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect."
It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?
Prayer:
God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, Amen.
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