Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.

-Proverbs 31:8-9

There are places of safety for mothers in crisis and their unborn all over the world. The healthy centers have the mission of being Jesus to the unborn and their parents, as well as lovingly changing the minds of parents in crisis to adopt rather than abort a baby.

Their witness is strong, for saving both mother and child is the highest work of religion.

As I read James 1:27, I see a deeper meaning that didn’t stand out until I volunteered at our local crisis pregnancy center.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.–James 1:27

Strong’s defines orphans as bereft (of a father, of parents); of those bereft of a teacher, guide, guardian; orphaned. And defines widows as feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from … the idea of deficiency; a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively:—widow.

Who is more orphaned than the unborn without future parents, or with mother – sometimes father – alone; mostly coming from difficult sectors, whether personally or socially?

Christ is most exalted when those who cannot speak for themselves – whether the born or unborn orphaned, literal and figurative widow – are served and shown the Love of Jesus, first through service, then the healing of Christ’s Love, and then a presentation of the Good News for a New Life in Christ.

It was a privilege for me to volunteer as I can at our local crisis center for a couple of years. All who come in are in crisis.

It is I who left more humbled and filled after spending a shift volunteering with some of the kindest Christian family I have ever known.

A few years ago, Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author, spoke at a fund raising

Gala. In one of his books is Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery, he articulated very well how abortion, like slavery needs exposing with facts and grace. It took William Wilberforce 24 years to end slavery in England. So with facts and the hands and feet of Jesus, both child and mother can be spared and transformed for good.

I understand this is a loaded statement for those who find themselves in crisis, but please hear me say gently. You and your child are loved and there are centers at the ready in all major cities and many small towns ready to minister to you, help you through any fear and help you find viable solutions that will give both you and your child a better life.

For anyone reading who may be post-abortive – including men, there is hope, redemption and forgiveness, no judgementalism. The Lord knows your story and is here to heal you permanently. There are many post-abortive programs that can help you become your best self and know how to tell your story so others might live. And for those who know souls who have survived this trauma, the best they can receive from us is unconditional love, and for us to listen and bear witness to their stories of redemption.

John 3:16 begins…For God so loved the world…That means all of us!

Is God not an amazing God to not only save the Esters, but the Rahabs of this world for His purposes? He not only cares about the Josephs, but the Davids, and carves a place in history for them.

We are part of His Story as He writes His Story on our hearts.

May we all see the God-design in every human being, and know we too are God-Image-Bearers serving those who need Him most.

Thank you Jesus, for the opportunities today to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Amazing!