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