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I’ve heard it said that if it wasn’t for the “buts” in the Bible, we would all be in trouble. My story is no different. 

"Transparency is the key to breakthrough" is a saying I hear often from my pastor. 

So, this being Black History Month, I want to be transparent as a woman, wife and mother of why I’m pro life. 

Until 2005, I was a pro choice advocate. 2005 is when I became a born again Christian. Prior to that my thoughts on abortion were "it’s a woman’s choice, and it’s no big deal". 

That was my point of view, even when I found myself pregnant in 1997. I was about 28 years old with a full-time job, going to school, and was living with my then boyfriend and soon to be hubby. However, I didn’t want or wasn’t ready for a family. 

This is how and why I know the grace of God was in our relationship from the beginning: 

1. I was with a man who actually wanted to have a family. 

2. I had a friend who wasn’t afraid to tell me the truth of her story of abortion. 

When my husband and I were dating, he never shied away from the fact that he wanted kids. I, however, was indifferent, and wasn’t looking to start a family. With my work and going to college, kids were the farthest thing from my mind - until I became pregnant. 

When I told my boyfriend/hubby I was thinking about abortion, he supported me in the decision, but he wasn’t necessarily in agreement with it. I told my girlfriend what my decision was, and she shared with me her abortion experience. It surprised me since she was married with kids. What she said to me still rings in my head to this day: 

“Steph, trust me, you don’t want to do this because it’s really not a good feeling. I wish I hadn’t done it.” 

I thank God to this day for that conversation with my friend. Had I not heeded her words, I would have missed 23 years of raising my young, handsome, intelligent black son - missed seeing him graduate from college. I would have missed our long talks about race, religion and politics. I would have missed seeing his relationship with Christ blossom. I would have missed my son. Because of a selfish, indifferent decision. 

But God… 

Here’s another thought that stays with me. My mother, 53 years ago, faced the same dilemma at 46! Her older sister persuaded her at the time to abort me. My mom asked her three young adult kids what they thought. My siblings stuck up for me and told my mom to go for it and have the baby. 

Again, but God! 

It’s unfortunate as we celebrate Black History that so many black babies’ own history will be forever silenced, unable to tell their story. However, God, by His grace and mercy, is raising up a remnant who have not bowed their knees at the altar of Baal. 

The Lord is raising up a young generation, like my son, who sees the darkness of the abortion industry and isn’t afraid to speak out. 

The Lord is using pregnancy centers like Inspire to bring truth and awareness to women of color in communities and to come alongside them. Not to condemn or preach at them, but to help them. It’s in this that we can have hope that more black voices can tell their STORY. 

But God!

Stephanie Torrey 
Visit Stephanie's Devotional Blog @ www.SpeakingTruthinLov.com
28 Jul, 2023
“Maya and John”, a young couple just starting their lives together, visited Inspire. They were faced with an unplanned pregnancy. A baby was not in their plans right now. They were working towards better jobs and a nicer place to live. They were excited about their future. Despite these many challenges, we were ready and equipped to help them navigate this unexpected pregnancy. We provided a safe space for Maya to reflect and share her thoughts and feelings about her pregnancy. She talked about a previous miscarriage years ago and how the loss was still painful. We gently pointed out to her that terminating this pregnancy would mean yet another loss. Maya began to wonder if she could endure that emotional anguish again...could her dreams include a family sooner than planned? With the support and encouragement Maya and John received from our staff and volunteers, they began to overcome their fears and consider new possibilities for their future. Still undecided and vulnerable, they agreed to return for their ultrasound appointment. But Maya and John did not return . We knew what this could mean, so we called on our prayer warriors, near and far, and placed this precious couple in God’s hands. 6 weeks later, John called…they wanted an ultrasound to see their baby. Maya and John chose LIFE! A family was saved because Inspire was there to provide life affirming support and compassionate, loving care. Our work saves lives! Maya and John’s baby is due in September, the month of our major fundraiser: Miles for Mothers Sunday, September 24, 2023 It is only with your partnership that Inspire can continue to have a Life Changing Impact on mothers and families like Maya and John! Miracles are happening at Inspire! Women need us now more than ever. They need real support. Real answers. A real vision of hope. Inspire is meeting their needs. Did you know we pray for our mothers before, during and after their visit? God has been with us every step of the way and so have you. Please support “Miles for Mothers” , our major fundraiser for the year, and help us reach our goal. Your gift will help us serve more couples like “Maya and John,” and save MORE precious unborn children, equipping families to build legacies of Life! YES! I'd like to support "MILES FOR MOTHERS" Thank you and God bless you. Rosanda Grau, Bunny Brinck-Lund and Carol Spina Co-Founders, Inspire Family Life Center
By Rosanda Grau 08 Sep, 2022
One year ago today, on September 8, 2021, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Inspire Family Life Center opened our doors. By the grace of God and with the help of friends like you, we are accomplishing exactly what we set out to do: transform hearts, save lives, and serve at-risk mothers and families. It's been an amazing year of "firsts"; most notably: Our first client Our first ultrasound Our first client parenting lesson All culminating in the birth of our very first baby born in May! We look to the future with grateful hearts and excitement. Having served so many women and families over the past year, we are poised to keep the momentum going while fulfilling the tremendous potential we have of affecting even more lives for the better. Inspire's medical services and education components, coupled with our compassionate and loving approach have proven to be a formula for success. And we're still growing! Please help us continue to move forward by supporting another "first". All are invited to attend our very first Miles for Mothers 5k Fun-Run/Walk Fundraiser Sunday, September 25, 2022 (12pm-3pm) @ Harry Dunham Park, Basking Ridge. A day of family fun; service hours for confirmation students; refreshments, music and games; surprise give-a-ways! Please help us by spreading the word and sharing this event with friends and family. By supporting Miles for Mothers you will enable us to continue our life-changing work - one mother and family at a time. May God bless you. See you at the finish line!
By Rosanda Grau 31 Aug, 2022
"If it wasn't for you, I'd be having an abortion tomorrow"
By Rosanda Grau 24 Jun, 2022
This morning, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as we were preparing to greet our 11am client, the news broke ... The U.S. Supreme Court Overturned Roe v. Wade. It was surreal. Our collective phones blew up with texts. Our collective hearts rejoiced. 49 years of prayers answered. Praise God! As you know, abortion is lawful in New Jersey through all nine months. It’s impossible to imagine a world where that’s a reality, but it’s true. At any point, for any reason, the life of an innocent child can be snuffed out in our Garden state. Nothing will change in New Jersey – for now. In fact, it will likely become worse, as many have vowed to make our state an “abortion sanctuary." On this historic day, Inspire’s life-saving work is needed more than ever. So, as the legal battles return to states, the spiritual battles remain . We are asking you for prayers. As promises of violence loom for pro-life organizations and especially pregnancy centers, we need God's protection to keep us safe from harm, allowing us to continue the work of serving His people and saving lives from abortion – which is itself a horrific act of violence . Simply put, it’s a battle between good and evil. Caught in the crosshairs are the misguided souls who see violence as justice and “choice” that sways in only one direction – death. We pray for them daily. Overturning Roe is just the beginning. We need hearts overturned as well. You can help us with your prayers. Together, we can bring light into the world, and life into the arms of a mother. God hears you! He loves you, too. Rosanda Grau Co-Founder, Executive Director INSPIRE Family Life Center
By Rosanda Grau 17 Jun, 2022
On Father’s Day, we celebrate and honor all the great men who serve, sacrifice for, and love their families! We are grateful for you and for your example which builds solid foundations for society. The world is stronger because of role models like you. Your lives inspire us to cultivate programs for young dads that will empower and encourage them to be at their best for themselves and their families, especially as they witness the miracle of new life. I have the great fortune of having a "hero" dad so this Father’s Day, I thought I’d share a heartwarming story of the man whose influence on my life shaped me. It's an event from decades ago that makes me laugh every time I think of it. I hope you enjoy the story. --- "Years ago for Father's Day, I surprised my dad with a hot air balloon ride. Up until the last minute of the car ride to Branchburg, he didn't know what was about to happen to him, until he saw the giant basket in the open field, and even then it didn't quite sink in. One thing to know about my father: he's a practical, logical, realist. Definitely not a "balloon surprise" kind of guy. But in my 20 year old mind I thought it was the coolest gift ever and I worked hard for it, too. It took me weeks to save up for the $110 ticket. I have to say my father was a good sport. With no mental preparation at all he climbed onboard the wicker aircraft and ascended into the June sky. My mom and I followed behind with the ground crew in the balloon chase van. It was all so exciting (at least for me), though my mother seemed genuinely terrified. Still, she mustered a few smiles as I kept reassuring her how spectacular it all was. Everything went according to plan, until we lost track of the balloon. Dusk turned to dark and then it started to rain. It seemed like hours went by as we drove around frantically searching for the missing balloon in the downpour. My mom began to cry. Ambulances drove by with sirens blaring. All I could think of was that I killed my father ... with a giant balloon . Eventually, I succumbed to the tears as well. Would we ever get him back? Meanwhile, uncertainty loomed in the sky. The time had come for an emergency landing. With darkness at hand and no open fields in sight, the balloon abruptly settled (aka crashed) in a small backyard guarded by large, angry dogs. My father sprained his ankle from the violent touch down. After the dogs were restrained by their owners, the balloon crew managed to drag the humiliated wreck to the side of the highway. They stood stunned and silent, ultimately hitching a ride with a trusting soul in a red pick up truck. Miraculously (and mercifully) while on the hunt for my father in the balloon chase van, we somehow spotted the large wicker basket on the back of the truck. What a relief! I didn't kill my dad. Our reunion was a little awkward as he relayed his ordeal, limping back to our car, soaking wet. I was extremely embarrassed and the guilt was heavy. Still, despite the terror and injury, I had to ask. "How was it, dad? Was it amazing? Did you love it?" And then my father spoke the words I treasure to this day: He said, "Rosanda, next year, just get me a shirt." Rosanda Grau Co-Founder, Executive Director INSPIRE Family Life Center
By Rosanda Grau 07 May, 2022
Lord, lavish Your Mercy on mothers. Those on earth, and those in Heaven. Those with a child in their womb, and those with a child in their arms. For mothers enveloped in joy. For mothers who are suffering. Lord, we pray for mothers whose hearts are full, and for those whose hearts are broken. We pray for mothers who long for the embrace of their own mother, and for those who long to be a mother themselves. Lord, the fruits of motherhood are poured into eternity, where You know each child by name. Jesus, we thank You for the great gift of motherhood, and for giving us your own mother, Mary. We thank you for Grandmothers and the laughter of children. Bless all women who have loved, sacrificed and cared for a child. Shelter them in Your compassion. Nurture them in the fire of Your love. Infuse them with Your grace. Now and forever. Amen. By: Rosanda Grau Co-Founder, Executive Director Inspire Family Life Center
By Rosanda Grau 17 Apr, 2022
Happy Easter! May the joy and hope of the Season brighten your hearts and minds. After 40 days of Lent and the sorrows of Holy Week, the glory of God has been revealed. The Lord has conquered death while carving a personal path to Heaven for each and every one of us. We are not only given Life ─ but Eternal Life, where we’ll experience the “Joy of Christ's Presence” forever. We have so much to be grateful for! The miracle of the Resurrection is fuel for us at Inspire because. We know that HOPE changes everything. So, we continue to work towards a world where every preborn child has the opportunity to first experience an abundant life on earth – and then in Heaven – without their earthly existence being denied them. We work towards a world where every preborn child will grow up to enjoy the simple delights we cherish every day – like gazing at the stars and sky, riding a bike and walking a dog – the embrace of friendship and family. With every human life comes the inevitable imprint of a unique soul that will somehow change the world forever. Nothing and no one will ever be the same, because that person was born and lived. With your help, we are leaving our own imprint on this world ─ one of mercy, compassion and love for the mothers and families who come through our doors seeking help. Serving them is a privilege and honor. But, it would be impossible without you! Thank you joining us on this faith filled journey and for your gifts of time, talent and treasure. Together, we take joy in the Risen Christ. Rosanda Grau Co-Founder, Executive Director INSPIRE Family Life Center www.InspireFamilyLifeCenter.com Photo by Catrina-Farrell-WGURAGVvs7g-unsplash
By Rosanda Grau 18 Jun, 2021
Heaven and Earth are overflowing with the love of our fathers. Happy Father's Day! At Ispire Family Life Center, we appreciate the value of fathers and know how crucial they are for building strong, healthy and faith filled families. Quite frankly, they are irreplaceable. We'd like to wish all dads a Happy and Blessed Father's Day. May our Heavenly Father protect you and your families today and always. Thank you for your sacrificial love. We'd also like to thank all those who have generously sponsored our "Open Wide the Doors to Inspire" Campaign. Because of you, we are almost half way to our goal! But it's not too late to make an impact. Your support can make all the difference in helping us serve the most vulnerable among us. Why not consider honoring your father with the gift of Life? Your donation will help us promote fatherhood and build families that will further the culture of life in our community. Your gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to opening the doors to Inspire. Thank you and Happy Father's Day! Carol Spina, Bunny Brinck-Lund & Rosanda Grau Co-Founders, Inspire Family Life Center www.InspireFamilyLifeCenter.com
By Rosanda Grau 07 May, 2021
We have exciting News! Through hard work, perseverance and prayer, we are steps away from opening the doors of INSPIRE Family Life Center in Warren NJ. We have obtained... Approval of our 501(c)3 nonprofit status A beautiful facility in Warren Dedicated volunteers who completed training courses A Licensed Medical Director We are almost ready to Open Our Doors! Your help is needed to make it possible! We invite you to join our Campaign: “Open Wide the Doors to Inspire” (Mother’s Day to Father’s Day) Our goal is to raise $100,000.00 Your support will enable us to... Build two counseling rooms where clients will feel safe Customize and equip the ultrasound room with medical supplies and equipment Build a warm & welcoming reception area for women & families Design and equip the Baby Boutique for critical material aid Hire a part time ultrasound technician Expand marketing efforts to reach at-risk women Equip the Center with computers & a phone system to effectively reach and serve clients Provide necessary educational course programs and materials to empower mothers and families You can support our campaign by simply clicking here ... or you can create your own fundraising page. It's EASY! Invite your friends and family to help us reach our goal. Every gift counts and will make all of the difference. The Campaign software will connect with your email list and social media pages so you can share the exciting news about INSPIRE and our life changing work. Please help us provide the services and resources that vulnerable women need so we can "help mothers LOVE life and help families LIVE life." No one should have to go through a difficult pregnancy alone. Children are Precious…so are Families. We formed Inspire to love & serve them both. We are ready to walk with them… it’s exciting! Please click here to help make it possible. Thank you and God bless you! Carol Spina, Bunny Brinck-Lund & Rosanda Grau Co-Founders, Inspire Family Life Center
By Rosanda Grau 29 Apr, 2021
Pictured: Gina Cordano & Carol Spina, Chair, Inspire FLC In gratitude and joy, we welcome Gina Cordano to Inspire Family Life Center's Board of Directors. With her many gifts and leadership qualities, Gina is poised to help move us forward during this vital point in our development. Gina is not only on fire for our mission, but has a genuine and irresistible servant’s heart – especially when it comes to mothers, babies and families. A graduate of St. John's University, Gina is mother to three beautiful daughters and a wife of 26 years. She is a daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and friend to many. Family is everything to Gina. Spending time with family and friends, taking various Bible courses and enjoying good food and wine are among the things she loves to do. Gina is continually striving to be a better person and believes in her heart that "God is in control of it all." She is actively engaged in various charitable works and feels blessed with the many opportunities she's been given to volunteer and serve. Uppermost on her heart is inspiring others through our beautiful, life-saving mission. Already, she's made a difference. Please join us in a prayer of thanksgiving for Gina’s “yes” to Inspire! Rosanda Grau Co-Founder, Executive Director www.InspireFamilyLifeCenter.com
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