From the moment I met her, she captured my heart. Her big brown eyes, spoke of all the years of pain, and with each glance I could see, just how deep it was. At the age of 16, she had been through more than most us will ever have to go through. Already a mom and now expecting again; she wore shame as a garment, and fear as a veil. It kept her from seeing all the beauty within. He told her he loved her. She believed him. All she ever wanted was to be loved. But the days of his promises had now faded away; as he asked her to take the very life they had helped create.
Each day we called, believing that God would encounter her, even through something as simple as a phone call. And just when it seemed that the darkness would overcome her, the spirit of God reached out its hands of mercy and she crossed over to that place we call, Hope.
As her child grew over those months, so did this love she had encountered. This God that had once seemed so far away, was now her only comfort. Though her mother didn’t want her, and her father didn’t claim her, she knew she would never be alone. Perfected in love, she removed the fear that once blinded, revealing a picture she had only dreamed of. And as she rested in His arms, she knew that finally, she had a home.
Then the day had finally come, her tiny princess had arrived. Ill never forget the first picture we got. Beautiful little curls are her Moms big brown eyes. But this time, those brown eyes didn’t speak of pain, but instead told a story of redemption, forgiveness and grace. I can still hear remember that sweet voice, when she said; “You know every day I look at my daughter, I thank God for sending me to Beacon. Every call you made, I will never forget, for without them, I probably would not have my daughter. You didn’t treat me like just another number, but you loved me , so that I could love her.”
And as she held this little life, that fear had almost taken, she instead realized the life, that He had freely given.
By Patient Care Coordinator
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Shower of Love Celebrates Greatest Gift of All
LORRAINE V. MURRAY, Commentary
Published: October 1, 2009 -- Originally Appeared in the Georgia Bulletin
A shimmering punch bowl and a white cake hold court on one table, while another is laden with an array of festively wrapped gifts. Nearby a cluster of ladies is chatting, awaiting the guests of honor.
Before long, in they come, a young couple looking a bit flustered because they got lost on their way to the church. She is eight months pregnant and radiantly pretty. He is her boyfriend, and a little nervous as he is greeted by the roomful of women.
This is a big event at St. Thomas More Church in Decatur, and I’m delighted to be here. It’s the first baby shower that our church has hosted, and it is to honor a couple that decided to embrace life.
It was no doubt difficult for them because their story has all the ingredients that lead other couples too often to the abortion clinic:
They are not married, and he recently lost his job. The temptingly easy path, at least on the surface, would have been to go the abortion route. But this couple is a shining version of a twosome who, through counseling and prayer, has decided to accept responsibility for their baby boy’s life.
Father Brian Lorei, our parochial vicar, stops by to meet the couple and give them a blessing. He also leads the group in a tribute to the Blessed Mother, “The Hail Holy Queen.” The words are a poignant reminder of the trials that our earthly life holds, for this world certainly can be a vale of tears. But we are also asking for Mary’s prayers “that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
People who support life efforts sometimes are criticized by the secular media for not helping couples financially once they decide to have the baby. In fact, though, there are many communities like this one at St.
Thomas More that make an effort to assist the couple not only during 0D the pregnancy but also after the child is born. There are many parishes that give generously to Birthright, a group committed to giving financial, spiritual and emotional support to new mothers and their babies – and this assistance doesn’t stop with the baby’s birth. There are also people who help young couples through the pro-life Christian ministry at The College Women’s Center in Decatur.
This shower is the first step in that ongoing support, for after we have had our delicious slices of cake and sipped our punch, it’s time for the couple to open the mountain of gifts.
Some presents come from parishioners who couldn’t attend the shower today, while others are from the ladies gathered in the room. As each gift is opened, the mother seems genuinely touched and appreciative, and the father carefully folds the tiny garments and places them gently back in the gift bags. When someone mentions that some gifts are from “anonymous,” the young man looks up to heaven and whispers, “Thank you, God!”
There are the big-ticket items that would be staggering for a young couple to buy: a car seat, a playpen that doubles as a crib, and a baby carrier. There are darling outfits that cause an outcry of “ahhhh” and “ooooh” throughout the room, and there are mittens, socks, diapers, bibs, bath lotions and gift cards.
When the games are played, prizes are given out, and the young lady-in-waiting wins one that seems so appropriate: a portrait of the Blessed Mother. She holds it up with a little smile and whispers, “It’s Mary.” Since nothing happens by chance, I have to conclude that she was meant to get that gift.
It is a lovely reminder of another unexpected pregnancy long ago, and another sweet girl who said “yes” to the gift of life. It is a reminder that our “Mother of Mercy” still prays for us and helps us stay true to our faith—and the promises of Christ.
Lorraine’s latest book is “Death in the Choir,” a mystery set at a church in Decatur. Artwork for this column is by Jef Murray. Readers may e-mail the Murrays, who are parishioners at St. Thomas More church.
Published: October 1, 2009 -- Originally Appeared in the Georgia Bulletin
A shimmering punch bowl and a white cake hold court on one table, while another is laden with an array of festively wrapped gifts. Nearby a cluster of ladies is chatting, awaiting the guests of honor.
Before long, in they come, a young couple looking a bit flustered because they got lost on their way to the church. She is eight months pregnant and radiantly pretty. He is her boyfriend, and a little nervous as he is greeted by the roomful of women.
This is a big event at St. Thomas More Church in Decatur, and I’m delighted to be here. It’s the first baby shower that our church has hosted, and it is to honor a couple that decided to embrace life.
It was no doubt difficult for them because their story has all the ingredients that lead other couples too often to the abortion clinic:
They are not married, and he recently lost his job. The temptingly easy path, at least on the surface, would have been to go the abortion route. But this couple is a shining version of a twosome who, through counseling and prayer, has decided to accept responsibility for their baby boy’s life.
Father Brian Lorei, our parochial vicar, stops by to meet the couple and give them a blessing. He also leads the group in a tribute to the Blessed Mother, “The Hail Holy Queen.” The words are a poignant reminder of the trials that our earthly life holds, for this world certainly can be a vale of tears. But we are also asking for Mary’s prayers “that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
People who support life efforts sometimes are criticized by the secular media for not helping couples financially once they decide to have the baby. In fact, though, there are many communities like this one at St.
Thomas More that make an effort to assist the couple not only during 0D the pregnancy but also after the child is born. There are many parishes that give generously to Birthright, a group committed to giving financial, spiritual and emotional support to new mothers and their babies – and this assistance doesn’t stop with the baby’s birth. There are also people who help young couples through the pro-life Christian ministry at The College Women’s Center in Decatur.
This shower is the first step in that ongoing support, for after we have had our delicious slices of cake and sipped our punch, it’s time for the couple to open the mountain of gifts.
Some presents come from parishioners who couldn’t attend the shower today, while others are from the ladies gathered in the room. As each gift is opened, the mother seems genuinely touched and appreciative, and the father carefully folds the tiny garments and places them gently back in the gift bags. When someone mentions that some gifts are from “anonymous,” the young man looks up to heaven and whispers, “Thank you, God!”
There are the big-ticket items that would be staggering for a young couple to buy: a car seat, a playpen that doubles as a crib, and a baby carrier. There are darling outfits that cause an outcry of “ahhhh” and “ooooh” throughout the room, and there are mittens, socks, diapers, bibs, bath lotions and gift cards.
When the games are played, prizes are given out, and the young lady-in-waiting wins one that seems so appropriate: a portrait of the Blessed Mother. She holds it up with a little smile and whispers, “It’s Mary.” Since nothing happens by chance, I have to conclude that she was meant to get that gift.
It is a lovely reminder of another unexpected pregnancy long ago, and another sweet girl who said “yes” to the gift of life. It is a reminder that our “Mother of Mercy” still prays for us and helps us stay true to our faith—and the promises of Christ.
Lorraine’s latest book is “Death in the Choir,” a mystery set at a church in Decatur. Artwork for this column is by Jef Murray. Readers may e-mail the Murrays, who are parishioners at St. Thomas More church.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Miracle of Ultrasound
This week, October 26-29, 2009, was a week we have been anticipating. After much prayer, many meetings, phone calls and actually transporting the ultrasound machine to Decatur, this would be our first week to offer ultrasounds at The College Women’s Center in Decatur. This week, our volunteer nurses would be completing an important part of their training in offering ultrasounds to around 25-30 pregnant volunteers. Many of these women would be from the community while others would be patients of The College Women’s Center.
I arrived at the Center Monday morning with great anticipation. Instead of the Center being quiet as it usually is when I arrive, it was already a buzz with nurses, a pregnant volunteer and Wendy Weekly busy at the computer. As the day progressed, it was so exciting to have our small 800 square foot space so full with 4 nurses, 3 employees, patients and ultrasound volunteers!
Our 3 p.m. appointment was a patient with whom I met last week. She and her boyfriend wanted confirmation of their pregnancy. A junior in college and also working to pay for school, the pregnancy was not good timing and their relationship was only 4 months old. They both listened attentively to the information shared about all their options, but seemed to be approaching the decision about the pregnancy from a very pragmatic stance. As she stated, she was young, selfish and wasn’t ready either financially or emotionally to handle the responsibilities of a child. Fortunately, when offered, she was interested in returning for the ultrasound the following week. I explained that we were preparing to offer ultrasound services and next week would be a week of training nurses. She understood and wanted to come.
On Monday afternoon, I was delighted that she actually came back for the appointment. The nurses each practiced finding her uterus, her cervix and eventually the 8 week old unborn baby. When the baby (about the size of a thumbnail) was located on the screen, the screen was adjusted so the patient could view her baby for the first time. To the untrained eye, much of what is displayed with the ultrasound is unclear, but there is no mistaking the beating of the baby’s heart. I found myself getting teary witnessing the reality of this baby. The client’s lovely dimples broke out into a smile.
After the ultrasound session, I met with the patient to debrief and find out her thoughts. She spoke briefly about her impressions and then broke into tears. She articulated that she knew it would be emotional but had been uncertain what to expect. I think we both were caught off-guard by the compelling nature of that view into the womb. What once was only manifested by some irritating nausea and a positive pregnancy test, now has shown himself/herself complete with a forming, spinal cord and that miraculous beating heart! I sensed that the tide may be turning for this young woman as she decides whether to proceed with this pregnancy. I pray the Lord will continue to turn her heart toward her unborn child.
On Wednesday afternoon, a young couple found out through the ultrasound that they are expecting twins. Although he was in favor of having the baby all along, seeing that she was carrying twins seemed to have a big impact on this college freshman. She felt certain that she couldn’t go through with aborting two babies!
I am so grateful for the miracle of sonography. And, I am so grateful for the miracle of God bringing an ultrasound machine and willing volunteer nurses to The College Women’s Center! I am beginning to see the impact it can have as women and men will make decisions about their pregnancies not just with their heads, but also with their hearts after getting to see for themselves a window to the womb.
By Suzy Brister,
The College Women's Center Site Coordinator
I arrived at the Center Monday morning with great anticipation. Instead of the Center being quiet as it usually is when I arrive, it was already a buzz with nurses, a pregnant volunteer and Wendy Weekly busy at the computer. As the day progressed, it was so exciting to have our small 800 square foot space so full with 4 nurses, 3 employees, patients and ultrasound volunteers!
Our 3 p.m. appointment was a patient with whom I met last week. She and her boyfriend wanted confirmation of their pregnancy. A junior in college and also working to pay for school, the pregnancy was not good timing and their relationship was only 4 months old. They both listened attentively to the information shared about all their options, but seemed to be approaching the decision about the pregnancy from a very pragmatic stance. As she stated, she was young, selfish and wasn’t ready either financially or emotionally to handle the responsibilities of a child. Fortunately, when offered, she was interested in returning for the ultrasound the following week. I explained that we were preparing to offer ultrasound services and next week would be a week of training nurses. She understood and wanted to come.
On Monday afternoon, I was delighted that she actually came back for the appointment. The nurses each practiced finding her uterus, her cervix and eventually the 8 week old unborn baby. When the baby (about the size of a thumbnail) was located on the screen, the screen was adjusted so the patient could view her baby for the first time. To the untrained eye, much of what is displayed with the ultrasound is unclear, but there is no mistaking the beating of the baby’s heart. I found myself getting teary witnessing the reality of this baby. The client’s lovely dimples broke out into a smile.
After the ultrasound session, I met with the patient to debrief and find out her thoughts. She spoke briefly about her impressions and then broke into tears. She articulated that she knew it would be emotional but had been uncertain what to expect. I think we both were caught off-guard by the compelling nature of that view into the womb. What once was only manifested by some irritating nausea and a positive pregnancy test, now has shown himself/herself complete with a forming, spinal cord and that miraculous beating heart! I sensed that the tide may be turning for this young woman as she decides whether to proceed with this pregnancy. I pray the Lord will continue to turn her heart toward her unborn child.
On Wednesday afternoon, a young couple found out through the ultrasound that they are expecting twins. Although he was in favor of having the baby all along, seeing that she was carrying twins seemed to have a big impact on this college freshman. She felt certain that she couldn’t go through with aborting two babies!
I am so grateful for the miracle of sonography. And, I am so grateful for the miracle of God bringing an ultrasound machine and willing volunteer nurses to The College Women’s Center! I am beginning to see the impact it can have as women and men will make decisions about their pregnancies not just with their heads, but also with their hearts after getting to see for themselves a window to the womb.
By Suzy Brister,
The College Women's Center Site Coordinator
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Open Door Community Church
I would like to thank The Open Door Community Church for allowing me to attend the service today and share the vision of A Beacon of Hope. God is so gracious and His timing is perfect! We are truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to join God in His work!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Another Successful Yard Sale!
A special thank you to the Beacon of Hope Yard Sale Team! Today ends the month long process of executing another great yard sale. Cathy Bailey and the entire team of volunteers did an incredible job. We are so thankful for the hard work, endless hours, organization, coordination and huge success. There is nothing about the yard sale that is easy or simple but this team makes it look very easy and simple. I would like to encourage everyone to take a rest and feel pleased with the outcome. The Beacon of Hope family is very appreciative!
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