Let me explain. I am teaching an internet course, with 30 different students. Since it is an online course, I only see the students 3 times during the entire semester. It has been interesting getting to "know" these students by communicating with them through e-mail, phone calls, and message boards; yet, I would not recognize them at all. One of these students, a young girl appears to be happy, yet always distracted and busy. She e-mailed me this morning. Her message reads something like the following: I will not be able to make it to campus today. I recently found out that I was pregnant. I am nearly two months pregnant, and this pregnancy must be terminated. I am going to be getting an abortion at 9:25 this morning, so I will be unable to attend the mid-term. I hope this does not offend you (oh, no.....it mortifies me), but I would like to take the test at a later date.
I have always been against abortion, but this was the first time in my life, that I actually knew it was going to happen. I sat at my desk and just stared into space. As a teacher, I knew what my policies were regarding the test, but as a Christian, and as a mother, my belief system was yelling out......What do you mean you have to terminate this pregnancy? Why did you even tell me this.....I don't really want to know......I don't want to think about the fact that every day innocent lives are being killed in my town.....involving some of my students.
All day, I was somewhat haunted by this reminder. But, it has been good for me to remember, and better yet, for me to pray. I prayed alot for this young lady today. I don't know how and if God will use this situation in her life......but, it has been good for me to really pray....earnestly.....and to just remember.
6 comments:
Wow, Michelle...I've never had anything like that happen to me. That much have been a hugely sobering thought.
Thanks so much for your comments about my diabetes. So far, I'm doing really well...they've already had to cut back on my medication because my numbers were often too low! However, a LOT depends on me exercising--which I've been good about so far, but I realize that it's going to have to be as much a part of my life as brushing my teeth! Quite a change for normally very sedentary me.
I enjoy your blog. Have a great day!
Wow, Michelle! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes...I feel so guilty about just forgetting about all of the babies that are killed daily. God is going to use you in a mighty way in this girl's life. She must trust you enough to share something so personal with you. I will pray for wisdom as you keep in contact with her.
I don't know what I would do, either. I'll pray for you and this young woman. It's sad a life will be ended, but we can take comfort in knowing Jesus will welcome the new life with open arms.
Some of the realities of life are so sobering. So many need Christ in their life.
Will be praying for you as a teacher...God grant you the wisdom you will need daily.
Love ya, AJ
Your mom told me about this on Sunday because your dad was preaching at our church. How awful! I will pray too. I know as a teacher it is so hard when I see my students doing things that are hurtful to them, but I teach Jr High, so I've never dealt with this.
Nicole (Hoelscher) Harms
Oh, Michelle...
If only there was some way to reach her with the love of Christ. I'll pray that God will give you an opportunity to reach her or that He will send someone else to do so. It breaks my heart that if only these girls could see one ultrasound of their baby, they would probably change their minds. Heartbreaking....
Deborah,
your cousin
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