Sitting in a room with a ten-month-old in her lap and a three year old chattering next to her, a young mother was wrought with fear. Telling no one, she had headed to the doctor certain a baby she did not plan for, did not want was on its way.
The doctor told her he was certain it was not possible and would immediately run a test, indeed a new life was beginning to take shape. He did his best to calm her but having a miscarriage three times, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported in her present state she could not imagine going through this again. He assured her in a short time her body would decide, and he would make the outcome as easy as possible.
Each day seemed longer than the next as the weeks went by and that little heart kept beating. Why, why, why is this happening? Finally, wrapping her mind around it, she shared her news and was stunned at the response of those around her. Some were supportive and others looked at her as if she was a fool. Their feelings would not change the outcome, and she felt her courage grow as it became obvious God was in control.
Now 20 weeks, peering at the screen and seeing her baby, shocked at the joy she felt until a shadow came over the nurse’s face. This baby, a little girl was not whole, she was not compatible with life and growing to term would result in a rapid and uncomfortable death.
Fear fell hard upon her once again. Would an abortion be easier, would ending the life of this child God has so clearly placed upon this earth be better than letting nature take its course? The world stopped and in her mind she could hear “take courage”.
Recalling a story in the Bible, the book of Matthew where the disciples were so afraid and Jesus said, “Take courage! It is I, do not be afraid.” Is it true Lord, can I trust you to see me through yet another crisis, do I have that kind of courage”? With everything in her she accepted what was promised in scripture and placed her trust in God her Father.
A month early, with no hope of a full life, her baby was induced. She had nothing material for the baby she was not expecting to bring home except the pain and sorrow that tore at her. As the infant left her body, she heard cries fill the room, confused, horrified and beyond afraid she pushed the bundle away when they attempted to lay the baby on her chest. Begging everyone in the room to shut the door, desperate to silence the cries of another Mama’s child, she prayed again for courage. Tears filled everyone’s eyes as they encouraged her to take and calm the baby girl. As she laid upon her chest the cries stopped and hush fell over the room. We encountered a miracle from heaven that day as medical science had to yield to God’s plan.
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27
By Larissa Allen, Guest Writer