My heart is breaking
[Please note: This video is not for young viewers and contains graphic content - graphic content which the adults of America need to wake up to and understand.]
My husband had me watch this last night. I am beyond words. It tore me up. How can any parent allow their young daughter to go through such a nightmarish experience? Where are the feminists who say women, young women especially, should be given choices and options? This young girl most certainly wasn't given a choice or even information. How can society condone this sort of experience as "a woman's choice"?
My heart is breaking... breaking for the thousands of women who go through this experience, who think that abortion is the right choice, who have to live with the guilt, the pain, the misery - for the rest of their live.
My heart is breaking for the thousands of young women - little girls - whose parents aren't protecting them enough to keep them from getting in a situation where they would find themselves pregnant in the first place, little girls whose parents then don't give them any other option but going to an abortion clinic.
My heart is breaking for the millions of babies who were mercilessly slaughtered, many even when they are viable.
My heart is breaking when I see my little daughter look up into my eyes and say with gusto, "I love you, momma" and I can't help but think of the millions of children whose lives were cut off before they could ever utter those words, whose parents will never experience the thrill and joy of hearing those precious words.
My heart is breaking for the thousands of couples who would love to have children of their own and can't and yet they patiently wait and try and pray while millions of children are brutally murdered of their own parent's volition.
My heart is breaking that I can't do more, more to save these precious children, more to help those parents who think killing their child is in their best interest, more to save young girls from ever having to go through such horrific experiences as the 14-year-old girl on Bill O'Reilly's show.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
posted by Crystal Paine at 9:01 AM
65 Comments:
Oh my goodness this makes me so sad. How can anyone do this? I am so grateful for Fox news airing this and for recognizing that this was the death of a baby and not a termination of a pregnancy. This girl is very brave for going on national television to tell her story and I know that God will use her horrible experience for good.
I totally agree. And I must agree, "Where are the parents?" My husband and I watched this segment when it originally aired on Mr. O'Reilly's show, and I just want to know what kind of parent is not guarding their child and their home so that the child is able to get pregnant in the first place? I think the parents should be prosecuted. Valerie
This is horrible. Abortion in America has turned in to a holocoust! And now this!!!
God bless you.
You need to wake up and mind your business. Thank god not everyone thinks like you. If this was a black or asian woman I bet you would not be so beside yourself. MIND YOUR BUSINESS. GET A PART TIME JOB.
Anonymous: This is very much my business. This is happening to babies in my state. These are lives being snuffed out. Children are precious to the Lord and I have a passion to proclaim that message loud and clear since very few are doing so. Should we just stand idly by while babies are murdered? Is that what Jesus would do?
I don't care what the skin color of the woman is - that doesn't matter to me. I'm not sure what the relevance of that statement was anyway. Besides, I have many friends who are of many different nationalities and I love them all! And I hope someday adopt an orphan from an Asian country, but we'll see what God has in store!
Oh and I DO have a full-time job - actually more than a full-time job - I'm a happily married wife and mother! :)
I pray that the Lord might change your heart and take away your bitterness towards me and others who are seeking to glorify the Lord with our lives.
God bless you!
Sweetie, you know better than to respond to a troll.
I am so horrified at this. I naively thought that abortions after the first trimester were illegal accept for medical reaons? I suppose this is a state to state issue with Kansas laws being pretty lax???
Wow. I normally dislike watching O'Reilly, and avoid it at all costs. I like to say I am pro-life, but I don't feel it is my place to determine others' lives. However, after watching that, those parents should be arrested. They abused their power as parents and neglected to protect their little girl.
I don't want to condemn anyone here, but they very obviously abdicated all responsibilities as parents. The way to solve this abortion problem is simple...go after the parents, one by one. Then go after the doctors.
I can't imagine someone ELECTING to have an abortion. I can't imagine the thoughts they think and the desperation they must feel. Having had to experience a D&C this week, I can't imagine someone would elect to choose this option. I'm praying for that young girl, and I'm continuing to pray for all others who feel the need to make this choice.
And anonymous, consider yourself prayed for. As homekeepers and mothers, we have very important jobs. To raise up children that are strong in Christ, and never have to make the kind of decision that this poor young girl had made for her. If we follow Christ, no bad can befall us. And it doesn't matter if someone is black, asian, hispanic, or otherwise. Some of us ARE part of those racial groups, and we'd appreciate it if you'd be nicer next time around. This isn't a RACE issue, it is a COUNTRY issue.
Ignore Anonymous! They are obviously racist and you should ignore them, but good response anyway. People like that stay anonymous for a reason.
I am sitting at my desk at work crying right now, trying to make like I am not. That video really makes it all a reality. I applaud Kelly for telling what happened to her. I am going to pray for her, she must have a very hard time still dealing with it even now and I think she could use our prayers.
Thanks for showing this Crystal! I never would have heard about it if you hadn't since I don't have cable. Keep up the good fight!
Take care,
Leigh
Mary, I usually try to be nice and respond to trolls every once in a blue moon. About once every 300th time. When I'm in a good mood or just tired of a particular troll saying the same thing every day for one hundred and fifty days in a row. :) I always wonder how they have so much time on their hands.
Sadly, Kansas is the abortion capital of the country. There is horrific stuff going on, but it is rarely, if ever, reported in the media. I was so thankful to hear this personal account actually come out in the media. I think if more people knew the devastating effects of abortion on a woman or girl's life and understood more what the porcess of aborting a child actually involved, maybe it would change things. Maybe. I can at least hope and pray and do all I can to educate others - one person and friend at a time.
Andrea, D&C?? Are you okay? I've heard that is a really hard experience. Praying for you and hoping God is comforting and encouraging you.
This is so sad. Between this story & the horrific situation that is unfolding in Ukraine, I have been appreciating and treasuring my son more than ever these last few days. It is so easy for me to forget what a precious gift he is when our whole family is sick, I'm tired and stir-crazy and he is especially needy.
Yesterday, when I heard about the newborn babies being killed in Ukraine for stem cells, I almost lost my lunch. Can you imagine giving birth to a perfectly healthy baby in a normal hospital and being told by the maternity staff that the baby didn't make it? AND THEN, to have the BBC find all of these babies had been killed & dismembered?
I can honestly say that my first thought after hearing the stories is that I have never felt the presence of Satan so strongly. It is eerie.
You know, Crystal, I always wonder WHY they visit blogs like yours if the content is so 'offensive' to them. If this is offensive to them, gosh, I'd hate to see what they deem appropriate. ;)
I made the mistake of telling a friend from class that I think feminism is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo (amazingly, he agreed with me. What it is with men disliking feminism?? Hmmm..), and someone else overheard us. She made all sorts of nasty comments about how I'm wasting my life, and why bother getting masters' degrees, just go home and have a baby. My wonderful friend informed her that her being a feminist was her CHOICE, and that I'm fulfilling the role God blessed me with. He also told her to mind her own business about when I have children, that I had lost a baby, and her comment was very inappropriate.
And as far as I know, my friend isn't an 'out' Christian... Amazing, no?
God is awesome...He knows when, why, where and how. I take comfort in that!
Speaking of okay, how have you been feeling, Crystal?
Also, are there any make ahead and freeze type kitchens in Kansas? (like www.dinnerbydesignkitchen.com) ??
SHAME on these parents for taking a CHILD and forcing her to do this??? The parents should be charged with murder as well as the dr. I feel so for her... she could not understand this at a young age and obviously was not informed...
Crystal....is there any way to move the little note regarding the content of the video to the top of the post? It wasn't until after I watched the video that I scrolled down and saw the warning (no, I'm not underage, however for those like me who watch first and read later...) It might save a mother with small children running around from having them hear of things that they are best kept unaware of for now. Just a thought.
Also, several years ago I watched a documentary on late term abortion on PBS. The material was very graphic and I can still remember the details of the process in which it is done. If that isn't murder, then I'd like to know what is!
Well, Crystal, don't let the trolls get you down! You know most of the time what they're saying is not to disagree with you or anybody, but simply to make statements which cause reactions. Prayers are certainly needed for those who seek attention in that way.
Unfortunately, the abortion "debate" has gotten completely off track and is now simply about a woman's right to choose. Back twenty years ago we were talking about "Where does life begin?" It's very sad that many many men and women simple view the beginnings of pregnancy as "a clump of cells" and not as a human being. You see they lost the debate on "Where Does Life Begin?" So now all we hear is "It's a Women's Body and she has the right to choose."
One thing I thought watching that video - certainly it's true that women suffer emotionally and physically after abortions, but I'm afraid this poor girl would have suffered anyway - getting pregnant at 13 and her parents taking her to have an abortion? Even had she not gotten pregnant I'm afraid this girl was headed for problems. That's just my opinion of course.
I wish more of this type of truth would get out there...the emotional aftermath of abortion is horrible and tragic. I would also like to see more coverage of the link between abortion and birth control to cancer. To me the link is undeniable.
I am weeping at the thought of this going in in our country. I know as Christians we need to wake up. No I don't live in Kansas, but there are things I can do right here in my local church. It is in no way at any time ever a choice, it is a life. period.
I have ministered with 40+ year old women who are still hurting over an abortion that took place 20 years ago. I am sure this is not part of the counseling.
Obviously there are problems long before the girl gets pregnant. She and her parents have a horrific thing that they have to live with. I pray God will continue to give them the strength to share their story. In their complete ignorance and selfishness those parents made a terrible choice on behalf of their child.
But, it is the doctor who needs our prayers.
I did not enjoy listening to the graphic nature of this, but I am glad I did.
Hugs to you Crystal! You know what our family has been through, and this is a subject very close to my heart. Abortion is wrong period. This video is totally horrifying. I can not believe any parent would put their 14 year old child through this. There are so many better ways! There are thousands of parents who are unable to have children of their own, who would be more than happy to adopt. God had plans for each and every life He creates, no matter how long or short they are alive. When you choose to get rid of a child through abortion, you could very well be murdering the doctor who finds the cure for AIDS or Cancer, a scientist or president.
Wow....truly disturbing video. Well done Crystal on responding to anonymous, I noticed they did not choose to respond back!
Even though I don't live in the States, I am not naive enough to believe that it isn't happening in my country as well.
Speaking as one who has fertility issues and is a Christian and a HUMAN, what these parents did is just wrong and they will have to answer for it one day, if not to themselves, then certainly to Jesus. I know so many people praying to conceive that would have loved to have a sweet little bundle of joy from this girl. She needs our prayers very badly I believe....
I am feeling so many emotions after watching that and reading your post and comments that have been left.
That girl is very brave to tell her story and bring about awareness for the killing that is going on in our own country. Her parents should have been arrested for their actions.
My heart breaks too and my prayers go out to her and others like her.
Good job on responding to your troll. I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but why would anyone think murder is okay?!?
And why anyone would think that you have a racial preference is beyond me!
My prayers go out to your troll too.
Very Disturbing....my heart is breaking,too.
Kim
Uhmm I know you are all mad at anonymous now... (and rightly that comment was indeed very offensive and not founded on anything)
But I have to say that sometimes I have a little bit of a problem with the way people on this site talk about feminism
I am a feminist... and I know most of you are not... but even though you are not can you at least try to understand that comments like "I think feminism is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo" for example... can be offensive to others too???? (not as offensive as the anonymous post even I was more offended by that... and surprised chrystal posted it :))...
Why not say "I don't agree with feminism"
Or something like that
Ok this was totally off topic... sorry
Well about the abortion video then... I thought it was horrible but not representive of all abortions...and uhmm a bit sensational (sorry)
J
Horrific doesn't even begin to cover what that young girl, not to mention her baby, went through.
I just wanted to vomit and break down crying while watching that. That poor young lady...why on earth would her own parents encourage such a horrific practice? Why would they even consider doing that to their own precious GRANDCHILD?! I admire her strength and courage to come out on national TV and share her horrific experience. And I pray she'll be given more strength to withstand the back-lash that will no doubt come her way.
And Crystal, your words to the troll were well-written, and filled with Christian love.
You are a true "lady".
Blessings to you and yours.
Hmm, so many possible things to comment on.
First of all, abortion is a very sad thing indeed. No question, no debate, I completely agree. It hurts millions of women and babies every year, and leaves much damage in its wake.
As sad as this video was, I do agree, it was a bit 'sensational'. If this story is indeed true, then yes, those parents were extremely negligent. I also disagree with elective abortions being done past the first trimester.( Not that I agree with 1st trimester abortion but to me, after the 2nd trimester it should simply not be allowed except for medical emergency)
Many express outrage over this, but say there's nothing they can do. Or, they say all they can do is try to pass laws. I respectfully, but vehemently, disagree. There is plenty that we as Christians can do. If we, as a collectively extremely wealthy ( which we are) religious body, extended the kind of time and money and effort we put into legislation...and instead put it toward helping women...the results would be unthinkable.
When we address the reasons why women abort- money, education,the list goes on- and provide tangible help, those reasons fade. The excuse, that desperation that makes abortion LOOK like the only option-disappears. We can provide housing, transportation, food, education...help these women become self-sufficient and able to provide for themselves and any children.
Simply expressing outrage isnt enough, making abortion illegal isnt the answer either. The answer lies in our ability, as Christians, to not just talk, but ACT- to reach out to people in these situations and really help them, not just toss a few diapers their way.
I have personal experience with abortion and have in years since counseled and worked with many other post abortive women, and pregnant women alike. Passing judgement by saying ' how could she' is futile, because many who say such things are the first to cave when in that situation themselves.
Babies are precious, women are precious. Its within our capabilities to demonstrate this worth- so why arent we doing it?
On a final note..I cant help but be a bit irked by the discussion of infertile couples and their rage over abortion. Infertility is heartbreaking, and I sympathize. However, there are 500 thousand children available for adoption, right now, this second, right here in America. No, they're not all babies but for some reason in this country if a baby reaches age 2, they're considered unadoptable. Many states will even PAY you by giving you breaks on things just to adopt a child..and it costs nearly nothing. All women are valuable, all children are valuable- even if they're not a perfect little infant.
Two friends of mine had abortions and it devastated me. Dr. George Tiller, I mean "Tiller the Killer" belongs getting the death penalty. He is a dangerous evil man. Everyday in america 4000 abortions are performed. Whose missing in your neighborhood?
Oh, and to the anonymous commentor....you need to pick on someone your own size, because trust me, Crystal is far bigger in heart and spirit than you are.
For more information-
Adopt Us Kids
http://www.adoptuskids.org/resourceCenter/heartGallery/whatIsIt.aspx
Pictures of Beautiful children available for adoption right now:
http://www.heartgalleryoc.org/gallery.html
Kassie said:
"Simply expressing outrage isnt enough, making abortion illegal isnt the answer either. The answer lies in our ability, as Christians, to not just talk, but ACT- to reach out to people in these situations and really help them, not just toss a few diapers their way."
I agree with this completely. The "church" is wasting so much time and money trying to make the government do the churches job. You know WWJD used to be all the rage, but I really don't believe Jesus would be spending His resources running for government office and lobbying for laws to get changed. He'd be with the people meeting their needs and changing their hearts. If the "church" were really doing it's job - the laws of the land wouldn't matter.
One 'funny' thing about those who support 'a woman's right to choose' is that they support younger and younger girls having abortions. If they want the abortion then there is no need to tell the parents. (Uniformeed parents can't complain until it is too late.) BUT if you are under age and you DON'T want to have an abortion, and they inform your parents, who DO want you to have an abortion, the abortion gets done anyway.
I was 13 when I found that out; my sister was 11. Both of us have always been against abortion. (I only became a Chirstian when I was 21, Julie is still non-Christian (but I'm praying for her.)) Right is right and murder is murder, was what we thought. And then Mum saidthat if either of us got pregnant it would be an abortion for us. Julie and I looked at each other, and knew that we wouldn't tell until past the 5 month mark.
The girl here was clearly taken horrible advantage of. 13! I want to know how old the father was. In all honesty, I'm predicting on of the teachers at her school. That is clearly RAPE OF A MINOR and yet he gets off scott free whilst this poor girl goes through everything she described.
In three weeks my daughter is due to give me a grandchild.
I am horrified beyond belief at any "parents" who would put their daughter through such an ordeal, and who would have their grandchild murdered.
Yes, it makes me want to vomit as well.
-connie
Kassie: I was just telling my husband last night, that I wish there was some way I could talk to every single woman before she had an abortion and not only try to encourage and help her during this traumatic time, but also strongly encourage her to consider adoption. I wish that I could tell her I would pay for everything and take care of all the details and make sure her child was placed in a very loving home. And that if she ever wanted to see or visit her child or even have her child back, she could. Yes, if I had all the money and time and resources in the world, that is definitely something I'd do. And maybe down the road the Lord will open up the opportunity for me to set up some type of ministry along the lines, who knows? By the way, does anyone know of any such ministry which exists? As we have extra funds through our business, we have been supporting ministries which are reaching out and helping those in serious need - such as the persecuted church, orphans, and such. I've been wondering if there is any sort of ministry out there which connects families who want to adopt with families who are considering abortion. Does anything like this exist? If so, I would seriously consider supporting them with our proceeds. While on that same note, I'm also looking for ministries which are helping families who do not have a lot of money to adopt orphans. I'm sure there must be ministries out there like that - anyone have experience with them or recommendations?
Changing the laws is not enough, Christians need to step up and not only denounce abortion for what it is, but reach out and help these hurting women and openly embrace children as the gifts that they are. That's one reason I have this blog. It's something I can do. Yes, it may only be a drop in the bucket, but it is something. And through it, I've been able to minister to many hurting women in many different situations. If through this blog, I can save just a few lives of precious children, it will be worth it all.
How someone could let their child kill what would have been their grandchild is beyond me. The fact that this baby was allowed to live until 20 weeks and then treated like trash is disgusting. There are so many other choices that should have been given to that girl. I pray that God will use her example to help others out there realize that there are other options than just this "Dr. Tiller".
Crystal,
I donate baby items to CareNet of the Palouse (a CareNet chapter in our area). I have a dear young friend who is 19. Last year she was attacked by an intruder and left pregnant. She knew immediately that she would not blame and punish her baby for the sins of his father. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who was adopted to a loving couple who could not have children of their own.
My point here is that CareNet was with her the entire way. Not only did they provide her with as much free treatment they could give but they also provided her with Christian counseling, a chance to tell her story to other girls and during a fund raiser (a horrible story with a beautiful ending), and help to get her life back on track afterwards.
This organization is amazing and has chapters all over the country.
http://www.care-net.org/
Crystal: "That's one reason I have this blog. It's something I can do. Yes, it may only be a drop in the bucket, but it is something. And through it, I've been able to minister to many hurting women in many different situations".
I thank God for your strength and courage Crystal in standing up for what you believe and standing up for those who are unable to speak out for themselves.
I am a 23 year old single woman living at home with my parents and working full-time. Biblical Womanhood has ministered to me on so many occasions over the past months when I have been hurting for some reason or another.
My prayer is that many others would rise up and "be a drop in the bucket" in promoting biblical womanhood and supporting ALL the women of the world - Christians and non-believers alike. It may sound trite or idealistic however together we CAN make a difference in this world.
Thankyou Crystal!
Diana
Diana
Crystal,
A site I highly recommend (although the videos are VERY graphic) is www.abort73.com
The link was on the site for the modesty survey. I went to it yesterday and immediately sent it to everyone I knew. I think if women watched this before an abortion, it may have them think twice about it.
I would like to meantion, that though we are all so very angry at not only the doctor and nurses, but the parents also... not once did this young woman dishonour her parents during the interview. This impressed me greatly. She could have blamed them, and ranted and raved, but she didn't even mention them past saying her parents took her to the clinic. I must admit, sadly, that I doubt I'd have been able to do that. You can tell by her talk of 'her baby' not 'the fetus' that she wanted her child very much, even at 14, but her parents obviously didn't, and yet she never on air said a bad word against them. I applaud her.
I dont know how Dr's or nurses could perform abortions. We are suppossed to save lives and promote health and wellness. It sickens me to the core of my being. I am a pediatric nurse, but used to be an OR nurse. On many occasions I had to assist with D&C after a woman had a miscarriage. I will try not to be too graphic here, but we did everything in our power to provide comfort to that hurting mother whose baby died at an early stage 6-8 weeks first trimester. She was given sedation so she was not aware of what was going on during the procedure and we covered up the equiptment with a sheet when the woman was brought into the OR room and before she woke from the procedure so she would not see anything that would upset her. I was brought to tears many of times thinking of how upsetting the whole experience was for those families. I can not imagine that poor girl in the video being put through such a horrific experience by her parents. It makes you wonder if it was an incestious situation and if that's the case-no wonder the girl suffers from ptsd!
I cannot believe this is happening. My husband and I felt sick to our stomachs and extremely outraged and saddened when we saw this.
My daughters (ages 12 and 13) looked at me dumbstruck tonight when I told them what abortion is. They looked at me as if I were making up a horror story. I had to insist that what I was telling them was true.
I don't understand why adoption isn't strongly encouraged. Either way, the mother is going to go through a physically painful experience, why not choose childbirth instead and make a childless couple happy and at the same time, be able to live with yourself?
On a different note, here's public school for ya--my daughter was told today that she can't talk religion or politics at school. I told her to go right ahead and that there are plenty of parents at that school who feel the same way, so not to worry.
I find it ironic, though, that Dr. Tiller's name is one letter off from Killer.
I forgot-I wanted to tell anonymous that you do have a part-time job-duh-this web-site! And let's not forget the full-time job of being a wife and mom.
And for anyone to accuse Crystal Paine of being racist, I'm sorry, I just have to laugh!
Lets not forget what happened during WWII when everyone minded their own business!
Lord, have mercy on us. Children are a gift from God! Thank you I wasn't aborted and that my parents love me!!
Thank you for the post, Crystal. A much needed story for all of us to hear.
Crystal,
I recently ran into a lovely acquaintance who is a stay at home wife, and has been for the past five years. As we chatted, she confessed that she had been "thinking about volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center for the past year," and was still mulling it over. Her position would be to counsel young mothers about the dangers of abortion and the advantages of allowing their unborn baby to live.
Frankly, I was shocked that she had held back for so long! I would be really interested to know how many of the women with passionate conviction about unborn children have actually volunteered their time to counsel and assist at crisis pregnancy centers in their communities.
Thank you for sharing this video. Although I am not suprised by any of it, sensationalized or not. This is what our world has become. The more it rejects Christ the more chaotic it's going to get till He finally returns.
I do feel for this young woman and it's good she is sharing her story now. Hopefully it wakes up countless other women. I was just thinking, when I was 13/14 years old, I didn't even know what sex was, much less abortion! I didn't live a sheltered life and wasn't raised in a Christian home but I never heard of that stuff then, and this was in the mid 1990's!
Parents need to quit being so lacking when it comes to the lives of their children. They need to step up to the plate and teach and train their children instead of having Hollywood and the public school system distort their minds. Fathers need to show their daughters what a genuine, hardworking, and caring man so that way when the daughters mature they can know what a real man is supposed to treat her like.
And if more women would quit trying to proclaim to the world that "they are women, hear me roar" and do what God already told them to do in His word, their would be much less divorce, much less hostility in families, etc. Now, grant it, I know there may be situations where the mother may have to work, but isn't our God big enough to provide?
Here in Germany I don't listen to the news, mainly cuz I can't understand it but I am sure abortions are just as rampant here, esp. since prostitution is legal! Ugh!!!
MM: Actually, I know a number of moms who volunteer at pregnancy centers a few days per month. I've loved hearing their stories and it is something that I most certainly would enjoy doing at some point in my life, though this is not the season for it. We have donated goods and clothes, etc. to pregnancy centers before and I hope to do more of that in the future.
I'd love to hear from any of you who have volunteered at a pregnancy center or are volunteering.
Thanks for posting this, Crystal. As a sidewalk counselor at abortion mills in the Orlando area, I come in contact with so many murdering Moms and Dads, and Grandparents. It's so sad. So many of them have incredibly seared consciences...statistics show that over half of women who have one baby murdered go back and do it again.People who aren't directly involved (those who dont dosidewalk counseling, or other pro-life ministry and people who aren't aborting--and even those who are) so often turn a blind eye to what's going on. It's like "don't ask, don't tell." But telling is so important..babies can be saved, and people can be drawn to repentance whent hey come face to face with the reality of what they've done--heartlessly slaughter their own unborn baby.
So, thanks so much! People need to hear things like this.
Drs.Wife-
It is compassionate caregivers such as yourself and your peers that my husband and I were so thankful for earlier this week. You are completely right; as healthcare professionals, you promote wellness...not taking away the inoocent life of a baby.
My doctor was unbelieveable through my entire experience...she hugged me when I cried, talked to me when I as I went under, and was holding one of my two hands when I woke up (dh was holding the other one). If that isn't a devoted caregive and a saint, I don't know what is. Even though it is too early to know if we can have babies still, she's beome a friend, and I am thankful for her.
To those who are championing adoption...I see your point. However, when some of us are very young and 'shouldn't' be having fertility issues, adoption is a hard thing to consider. *quiet voice* We just want to try for our own children first, some of us do.
Andrea: I'm so glad you had such compassionate caregivers. Such people can make a hard experience so much less hard by just being understanding.
And I totally hear you on the adoption thing. We were right there with you when we dealt with our fertility issues. Adoption was something we most certainly wouldn't rule out, but we were praying the Lord would bless my womb, if God saw fit.
Adoption is a beautiful thing and a beautiful calling, but I definitely think it must be that - a calling from the Lord. Not something that everyone can or should do.
Crystal: I'm hoping and praying (although not wishing away!) the day will come that we are able to have the children the Lord desires us to have, natural or adoptive.
I'm just afraid I'll mess them up! ;) Having your own children is a definite responsibility, but add to that the promise of raising an adopted child? I feel like I'd have to be twice the person I am now! I'd be so worried about goofing this or that up. I really hope though, that we someday have the means to adopt a child or two! I've had lots of friends who are adopted, and were it not for their parents, we wouldn't have had the lives, experiences, and friendships we do! (And, I wouldn't have met my hubby!:) )
Now, dont everyone hate me after I say this.
But, I am not a fan of ' crisis pregnancy centers'. Let me explain. As I came out of my teenage years and healed from my abortion experience, I felt called to ' do something'- as I still do. Of course everyone suggested the local CPC, so I went, interviewed and was accepted. I went through the entirety of the training, learned the ins & outs of what the center did, and began to volunteer.
Right from the get go, I became uneasy. My first day I asked them who they referred women to, for things like doctors, work, housing, jobs, etc- and they said oh we have some sheet somewhere but we dont really refer anyone. What?? Then, pray tell, what do you do?
The extent of their work was to basically trade making the mom do a Bible study for a few diapers or a toy or two, give pregnancy tests and show inaccurate videos and give inaccurate medical information. I was horrified!! If someone called, we were to lead them to believe that we were a medical clinic and that we distributed the morning after pill, etc, to lure them in.
This center has been there for over 10 years, and I asked the head lady how many abortion situations they'd dealt with- hardly any. I wondered why..until I began to observe the interactions between the volunteers and the women who came in. The judgemental vibes and fake smiles could be seen and felt for miles.
I just felt creeped out- and I realized why. We dont need to lie to people, to coerce anyone to help them. And I sure as heck know that the ladies with children who came in there needed far more than 5 diapers- they needed help to get on their feet, connections to doctors, transportation, housing, jobs,adoption agencies, and friends willing to be there.
I am truly not trying to be offensive at all..but sidewalk counseling, to me, is even worse. It's kind of the epitome of being willing to yell and scream about abortion, but not really do anything to help those women out. They just run away from sidewalk counselors, and with good reason..and the sidewalk counselor walks away thinking oh I tried. Well, not really. It wouldn't be that hard to provide help for women in need- take them in for a while, help them get a job, get a place to live, provide childcare for any previous children, etc. I dont turn a blind eye, I do help- with post abortion ministry and with pregnant women and young mothers. I really wish 'sidewalk counseling' didnt exist.
Okay, this is making me too upset..the solution does not lie in yelling AT women, yelling about them, or yelling about abortion at all. It lies in doing- and I dont mean by voting or by protesting or holding a sign..just help the women in tangible ways, is it really that hard?
Kassie: Thanks for sharing your personal experiences. Obviously, each pregnancy center is different. I know of a few that go so beyond the extra mile it is incredible! And they have ministered to so many hurting, needy families over the years. We definitely shouldn't be screaming at these women, yelling judgments at them, or just throwing diapers and Bible verses their way, we should be showing them genuine Christian love. I think often that our actions and attitudes will speak louder than words in these situations.
Kassie:
I definitely hear what you're saying. Our ministry has often tried to partner with CPCs in our area, since we're meeting the aborting women AT the abortion mills, and it would be great to have somewhere to point them if they decide to leave, but on more then one occasion, the CPCs have decided we are too confrontational (we use the law of God when we minister--we call abortion what it is: murder), and they don't want anything to do with us. The other thing I've found is that in so many of the post-abortion counseling curriculums, there is no mention of the need to *repent* of the sin of abortion, as well as the fornication that more often than not is what got the girl pregnant to begin with. There is so much emphasis on the woman being a victim, and not the poor little baby who she murdered.
There are a few CPCs, though, who are wonderful. They really DO help women with what they need, and don't fail to bring them face-to-face with the Word of God and what it says about our sinfulness and the need to repent. And for those, I am very thankful.
Crystal- I couldn't agree more.
Mary Jo- I'm not trying to sound rude, but I agree with those CPC's you speak of, only I go further. I dont think ' sidewalk counseling' is too confrontational, I think it is hateful and abusive. I understand, sort of, why people might think theoretically that this might help in some way- but it really doesn't. Harassing some scared young girl outside of an abortion clinic doesnt make her not have the abortion- it further cements that decision in her mind, and even worse, shows her that Christians are hateful,unloving people.
Have you ever gone through an abortion? I'm going to venture not, by the words you choose. During a crisis situation, the last thing in the world that a girl needs is people yelling and screaming at her. I just really pray that you try to examine what you do from a different angle.
Worst case scenario, the woman has the abortion. The baby goes to be with the Lord, but the woman has to stay here. Do you really want what she remembers to be you or someone else screaming at her that she's a murderer?
And yes, most post abortion ministries do mention repenting of the abortion- but if someone is in a post abortion ministry, its because they are in the process of or already repenting, because they are seeking healing. Not to mention, this sin of abortion is no worse than any other sin...unless you want to assign ' levels' to sin, which is a dangerous road to take. That's a nice way people make themselves feel superior to others.
I fear you might be more concerned with the idea of ' saving babies' than really demonstrating love to the woman also..nobody is won over by yelling and screaming, and they certainly aren't loved that way either.
Kassie and Crystal: I agree wholeheartedly with both of you. Showing love to those who desperately need it when they might not have support or love from anyone else is most important. And in showing them that love, we can share with them the joy of Christ and His love for us. 'Sidewalk counselors' do nothing but increase the tension and hatred between pro life and pro choice groups. I highly, highly doubt that the good Lord would desire us to stand in judgment, calling people murderers (even if it is what it is), all in the effort of trying to stop this awful medical procedure from happening. I just find the pro life groups who do this offensive, annoying, and really full of hatred.
As I was walking into my doctor's office earlier this week for my 'appointment', I was met by these people. Their fury and hatred was unbelievable. I had to tell them to get out of my face, and when I finally broke through, my husband had to shout at one man to let him by, his wife was miscarrying. The silence that fell on this group was amazing; they were protesting at the Women's Pavillion too. It is not a Planned Parenthood or abortion center. It is a womens' safe space for cancer treatment, birthing suites, and womens' wellness. To be harassed in such a manner was irritating to me, but I got over it. I have had many experiences with groups like this before. I can't imagine being 16, terrified and pregnant, and running into this kind of 'love'. *shakes head*
We need to be honest about sin, as Christians. Not judgmental or hateful. We have groups like this come to campus all the time; do they really think they'll win souls to Christ by calling me a harlot as I walk by because I'm not wearing a skirt?
I'm sorry, but this just upsets me. How did our society go so very wrong?
Andrea - terribly sorry to read of your miscarriage. My prayers are with you and your husband tonight.
This video was shocking to see. It is so hard to hear of this happening particularly in light of the wonderful news a friend gave me this afternoon. (She called just 3 minutes after the pregnancy test to tell me!)
I can't understand why any parent would make their daughter go through that. My parents were (and are) very clear that, should any of their 3 daughters find themselves 'accidently' pregnant, they would not necessarily be impressed but that we would have been supported.
My heart breaks for Kelly and girls like her and I am so moved by that fact that she is willing to go on national television to share this. Hopefully this will provoke our leaders to change the law on abortion and for people to see abortion as it really is.
Kassie, I think rejecting the work of every CPC across the nation because you got a bad one is something like rejecting every church in the country because the one you happened to go to first is a cult.
Different places have different approaches, different people working there, different resources and back-up.
We adopted two of our children through a center- and they don't often do adoptions. Their primary work is offering support (which included job training, connections for jobs, housing, clothes, food, and baby supplies) to help mothers keep their babies.
That was possible because they were in a place where local businesses were very supportive of CPCs and what they did. Other places aren't so friendly. We've lived a lot of places and I've never been a major volunteer- mainly just called a few times and brought things in from time to time- but I know I have NEVER seen hostile or judgmental attitudes from the women I've seen in CPCs. Even just between workers with nobody else to witness it, I've seen only compassion and prayerful concern.
I also know that two different women who used to work at abortion clinics but became pro-life and then spoke at pro-life meetings have testified that actually, sidewalk counselors were very effective and they always had fewer abortions when the councilors were there and they didn't make up their numbers later.
I don't know where you are, but it sounds very odd to me. Our oldest daughter goes to a major university, and she's never seen anybody call a girl a harlot for not wearing a skirt, but she has endured some pretty obnoxious treatment in class for her Christian values, and I know that Gianna Jennson, abortion survivor (she was an aborted child who survived the doctor's attempt to murder her), has endured 'pro choice' people screaming at her that it's too bad the abortion didn't work.
"Where are the feminists who say women, young women especially, should be given choices and options? This young girl most certainly wasn't given a choice or even information. How can society condone this sort of experience as "a woman's choice"?"
I think you might have a bit of a misconception about what feminists and pro-choicers think. I am both, and I'm horrified that this girl was forced to abort the child she wanted to bare. Cuz know what? Being pro-choice means I believe a choice, is something she should have gotten. Including the choice to bring the child to term.
As for where the feminists are on this issue, let's start with Wikipedia:
"Pro-choice individuals often do not consider themselves "pro-abortion" because they consider abortion an issue of bodily autonomy, and find forced abortion as morally repugnant as the outlawing of abortion." from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro-choice
Here's a google search that yielded more information:
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&safe=active&q=%22forced+abortion%22+anti-choice+pro-choice&meta=
Andrea was on to something when she said "I can't imagine someone ELECTING to have an abortion. I can't imagine the thoughts they think and the desperation they must feel. Having had to experience a D&C this week, I can't imagine someone would elect to choose this option. "
Being pregnant, regardless of whether it was planned or unplanned, ends in abortion or miscarriage or giving birth, parenting or adoption, is a really big deal. The decisions involved are a really big deal. We owe it to our sisters to stand with them in empathy and solidarity when they are faced with the enormity of what our female bodies can do, and not to condemn one another when one woman's best choice for her would be another's worst case scenario.
I've ministered outside of abortion clinics since I was a teenager. It is painful to watch girls as young as 12 go in; sometimes the parents or husband or boyfriend is literally dragging them into the building. Some cars have christian bumper stickers. Some girls say "my pastor counseled me and told me God would forgive me." If this is the state of God's people in America, we are in serious trouble.
The most horrific clinic is in Wichita where there is an incinerator that cremates the babies bodies. It is just like a cremation camp from nazi Germany. There is also a so called minister who blesses and baptizes the aborted babies. And parents can get their photo taken with their dead child and take home their ashes in a jar for their fireplace. I remember praying outside on the sidewalk and having the ashes of the babies fall on me. I can't tell you how sickened I felt. I realized our Lord sees this everyday. Just because there are walls that hide this evil sin so we forget about it, doesn't mean that God is blind to it. He broke my heart through that. And if I was that grieved, how much more is the God who created those babies? We as a nation must repent for our apathy. And we must begin with we who call ourselves Christians.
Through the work of God He opened the doors for a relationship with one desparate young woman we met outside of a clinic who was carrying the unborn daughter my husband and I would adopt five months later. My husband, children and I praise God every day for saving the life of our little Emilee Hope. But we are still heart broken for the millions who will never live.
T. Comfyshoes: I'm glad to hear you say that. I rarely hear any feminist ever condemn any abortion of any type. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard any feminist condemn abortion. ever.
This type of thing happens every. single. day. Young girls being forced to have an abortion without a choice and without information. Many young girls are being sexually abused by relatives who then try to hide this by forcing them to get an abortion. I'd love to see the feminists out seeking to prosecute these child molesters. I've never met or heard one who is doing so, though.
I spent the last five months campaigning for our attorney general who was working very hard to prosecute these child molesters in our state, so this is something very near and dear to my heart. Every single major media outlet in our state chose to slam and smear our attorney general for going after the medical records of these young women so that he could in turn prosecute the child molesters. The media completely turned a blind eye to the fact that he was prosecuting rapists of minors. I guess the mainstream media no longer cares, all they care is that abortion clinics are kept open and running so that women can supposedly have a "choice." What they fail to realize is that this choice facilitates child molestation.
T. Comfyshoes, Crystal, Kellie, Headmistress, and others:
This has proved to be a heartbreaking, but intellegent discussion. I'm glad to see that there was only one 'troll' who was uneducated enough to try and post her propaganda.
I still hold true to the ideals that yes, 'sidewalk counselors' are an awful way of spreading Christ's love and the knowledge that abortion is murder, which equals sin.
If anyone ever wants to visit Wisconsin and have a campus experience like I've had, go ahead! Usually the first two to three weeks of each semester are full of Christian "love" and "ministering". Our campuses unfortunately have a policy of open protestation and presentation, much to the student body's dismay. As a past bible study leader, I often tried to be at the front lines in the past to bear the brunt of any insults hurled in the direction of walking students. We'd challenge the pro-lifers with Scripture, and often, the discussion would be deflected on to someone non Christian. Not very fair, if you ask me. Yelling at someone in judgment is a poor way to get Christ's love across. When supposed "Christians" are turning other Christians off from calling themselves as such, we need to reevaluate how we show our faith.
In some states, this can be considered 'ministering'. In my state, it is defined as 'harassment' and 'disorderly conduct.' And I'm glad it is classified as such. Jesus never says "You HAVE to follow me." That is the great thing about being Christian; it is a choice. And we are all the more blessed when we make that choice. :)
How truly tragic the whole movement of legalized abortion is... and yet, how sorely needed are many more such exposures as this one! The biggest lie of the abortion industry has been making "white-washed tombs" of their work by using such terms as "pro-choice" (vs. pro-death or pro-abortion) and "fetus" (vs. baby), and speaking of abortion as if it was just a simple medical procedure to take care of a "problem". So few Americans know the horrific truth about how grusomely these innocent little babiers are killed. I hope and pray that this show and the bravery of this young woman victim of abortion opened many eyes!
In Christ,
Claire
Headmistress- I'm glad to hear that there are some CPC's doing more than talking. I just firmly believe that we as Christians have the power to virtually eliminate abortion, by reaching into our own pockets and giving of our time to offer practical help that remove some of the desperation that often leads to abortion.
Secondly, I'm sorry you dont believe me about preacher Dan, but every semester he or one of his other fellow ' pastors' comes to ISU and spends the day on the quad, with a big plywood sign on him listing all of the names he calls people, and then screaming those names at the top of his lungs. Like Andrea, I make sure to show up when he does to try to counteract some of the hate he spews on a population that needs to see Christ's love demonstrated.
About your daughter- sure, I too have had some eyebrows raised and comments made about some of the things I believe, but I dont think its anything to get upset about. As Christians, we need to have a thick skin and not get all huffy and worried about ' our rights'. It bugs me that today in America, many Christians spend tons of money and have lobbyists work for 'their rights', but its not about that. In fact, its about giving them up, forgoing them for the sake of serving and helping others.
I too maintain that sidewalk ' counseling' is an abusive and hateful practice..and is anything but the type of love we should and could be demonstrating.
I know this is an older post, but I just have a couple comments I wanted to share.
First, I think that ultrasounds given at Pregnancy Centers drastically reduce abortions. So giving funds toward u/s machines are a great way to get involved.
Also, I remember years ago going to a planned parenthood for a check-up (this was before I was saved). I went there because I didn't have insurance and they had a sliding fee scale. Anyway, I was struck by the folks on the sidewalk screaming at me, yelling very loudly, saying "prayers" and so forth. I was miffed because, you know, I wasn't there for an abortion or any such thing. I found them to be ignorant. I remember thinking at the time, if they were so adamant that these young girls should have these babies, why don't they set up a table and volunteer babysitting services or rides to and from appointments, etc. Don't just stand there and yell at people. Do they actually think they will change anyone's mind that way?!
Crystal,
I am a big Factor watcher and have been following O'Reilly's series on Tiller the Baby Killer. I was wondering if you were aware of what he did in your own state. A few weeks back he was asking a pro-life woman in Kansas about the abortion doctor. She said that he does burn the bodies in the back and the media will not do any reporting on him. He aborts in the third trimester. That isn't even legal in Holland!
The media is biased and will not report him. Abortion is the holy-grail of liberals and they will not invesitigate it.
I am so glad that someone as influencial as O'Reilly is showing this. I am surprised that he is surprised by what is going on. Where has he been? Probably surrounded by liberal media ; ).
My heart is heavy from hearing a testimoy from a girl close to my age. I do a speech on abortion and this has inspired me beyond words. Thanks for sharing.
Christy
A friend sent this site to me after I asked for prayers for my 20yo niece who was going through this very same procedure in BOULDER, COLORADO just days before Christmas. I, too, was under the impression that late term abortions were illegal - but then, if you know Boulder, well, anything goes if it is self-serving and dispicable. I am going to do anything I can to expose this atrocity on a local level.
I had no idea that my niece was pregnant but, by the time I learned what she was doing, I was too late to save her baby (I, as a single mom who has very little means, would have taken that baby in a heartbeat). I could barely breath as I tried to comprehend what that precious little soul was about to go through and I could truly almost feel the life being snuffed out.
My niece has no idea, yet, how this selfish choice will wrench her heart for the rest of her life and I am disgusted that anyone who elects (as an adult) or participates in - can you imagine - performing such a procedure can even look at themselves in the mirror. They will have to face their choices as will any parent who "helps" a minor daughter make this choice.
Some day facing it: that is what I call God's justice - as well as His mercy, thankfully. It is the ultimate Christian "karma."
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