They’d never heard the a-word, these sweet innocent babes of mine. They know about babies of course, know where they come from and, in basic terms, how they get there. They’ve seen many a growing belly around our church family. They’ve seen ultrasounds of themselves, making sense of the squiggly outlines with delighted recognition, “That’s ME!”
But they didn’t know about lives cut so short, on purpose. We pray for healing a lot around here, hoping to help them know, from a young age, the precious value of every human life. They don’t know about Planned Parenthood and all the FB posts and videos released and riots and protests and violence and regret and grief.
I’m so glad they don’t. But I do want them to know enough. I remember some of my earliest memories, as a teeny thing toddling along behind my Mama into our local Crisis Pregnancy Center where she volunteered regularly, week after week, meeting with expectant moms, pregnancy counseling, helping gather baby items, and providing support for scared expectant moms looking for help.
I still remember long afternoons in the waiting room, working on my homeschool lessons and looking at the glossy-brochures with the perfectly formed unborn child on the front. I remember the little gold pins, of tiny baby feet, that my mom wore on every lapel. I remember feeling so proud that my own Mama helped save little lives.
So I wanted them to know, too. And when the 4 Their Lives run came up, as part of The Guardian Project, and dear Sherri messaged and said, “Would you consider…?” I knew this was the perfect time to teach a tiny bit about this sad business, this peek into our brokenness, and give them a chance to help as well.
The timing was perfect. The kids had just finished their first fundraising race a few weeks ago, running a 1-miler to provide shoes for kids in need in Clackamas County. They were nervous (that’s putting it lightly) and hesitant, but both ran strong and finished well, so I was excited to build on the positive experience soon. (There’s Heidi crossing the finish line; I think she’s checking her heartrate–ha!)
This race is near Portland, with lengths for all ages and abilities, perfect for this fam that ranges from my crazy-fast-hardcore husband to my lightweight littles, to moi, who cheers from the sidelines, enjoying the coffee and donuts, loving the event vibe and happily contributing money just so I don’t have to run. *smile*
So we curled up Wednesday morning with the kids and shared the news. We told them about a bit about abortion, about scared mommies who sometimes feel trapped and don’t know what to do, about ultrasounds being a powerful way for mommies to see their tiny precious babies, about how much that helps them want to keep those hearts beating, even if they need to allow another mommy to raise their little baby. We told them how The Guardian Project is taking ultrasounds around in a motorhome, to help women see their unborn babies, to help more hearts keep beating, to help more babies to be born.
They were all in.
Would you join us?
Will you run for their lives? It’s such a simple way to contribute, and perhaps teach your children, in gentle ways, about how they can contribute to life. All the information for the run is HERE, along with information on The Guardian Project HERE. Even if you don’t live in the Pacific NW, perhaps you know someone who does? Consider forwarding this to them? Thanks so much for considering the myriad of little, mundane ways we can choose life every single day. Have a blessed labor day weekend. I pray it’s full of life.
{Thanks for reading.}