Fifty Years Ago – A Choice

Fifty Years Ago – A Choice                        



It was March 1970—fifty years ago.

A young engaged couple sat across the desk from a doctor and heard the words, “Yes, you are pregnant.”   
Neither remembered another word he said from that point on, but he had confirmed their fear. 

Few words were spoken on the long drive back. For the sake of anonymity, the doctor visit took place in a city a couple of hours drive from their own town. 


That evening the troubled couple followed through with plans to attend a college basketball game with friends, a married couple they had recently come to know. Knowing the dilemma at hand, the wife, Tonya (not her real name) tried to give comfort and assistance. 


“I know where you can get an abortion if that’s what you want to do,” she said. 


After all, the pregnant one had just spoken of the dread of having to tell her parents. She knew her mom and dad would be saddened by her behavior and disappointed in her. She also knew they would be embarrassed when they had to face friends and family members. And what would the people at church think? Both of her parents were Sunday School teachers.


In addition, she, herself, would need to face that same embarrassment and humiliation. And besides, having a baby now would interfere with college. She was on the down-hill slide of her second year. 


An abortion would eliminate all those uncomfortable and inconvenient scenarios.


But then she asked herself, “what exactly is an abortion?” Her mind was racing.


Tightening her clasped hands, she turned her face to her fiancé and said, “Would you want to kill our baby?” 


She stared into his face.  
   

“I want to do whatever you want to do,” was his reply. 


Her mind seemed like a racetrack with cars speeding in every direction. Then she saw the image of a tiny form growing in her belly. A tear slid down her cheek—and then another one. 


“We’re not going to kill our baby,” she announced. 

L to R: Guy, Connie, Neil, Shannon - 1995

A few months later, our son, Shannon, was born and I became a mother. He was perfect and wonderful. 

Less than two years later his little brother, Neil, was born. He too was perfect and wonderful and has given us four terrific grandchildren. 

The thought that an abortion might have taken place is nightmarish. There would have been no Shannon and possibly no Neil either, because having an abortion can cause damage that leaves a woman unable to ever have children. 



                  
                                                                                                

Our eight grandchildren - Photo by Allison Laster

That baby that we decided not to kill has grown into a wonderful God-fearing man. Throughout his life he has brought great joy to many people, especially his parents. 

He was such a fun little boy and a high achiever and leader in high school. With great pride we watched him graduate from the US Naval Academy. He then served our country for twenty years as an aviator in the Navy and Air Force. 

He has given us four fantastic grandchildren who are now teenagers. After retiring from the military, he and his wife have settled in our hometown to finish raising their children. 

Our eight grandchildren - Photo by Allison Laster - 2009

He is currently flourishing as a teacher of physics and algebra at his high school alma mater. He loves his students and though he’s tough they love him back because they know he cares. As a swim coach he encourages and enriches the lives of many youth. 

Thank God we did not kill our baby. Through the years we and many others have benefited immeasurably from our decision—a decision on that March night in 1970, bore life or death consequences. We chose life. 


I know some women who did not choose life for their babies and I know that God has stored up all their tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8) and He does not love them any less because of their actions. For all of us, He offers total forgiveness for all our sins if we will believe in and receive Jesus. When we receive Christ, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. Our sins are gone—they exist no longer in God’s eyes. 


I've committed many sins in my life and I’m beyond grateful for God’s amazing grace, unfailing love, and forever forgiveness. Thank you, Jesus!


Pleases pray with me. Holy God, You know everything about me, including every sin I’ve ever committed. Thank you for loving me in spite of it all, and for sending Your Son, Jesus, to take the punishment I deserved. Please help me, Oh God, to forgive myself. In Jesus name I pray—Amen. 


Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

My Question on Social Media

My Question on Social Media



My question on social media was this: “What are some things we do that ‘give place to the devil?’” I was pleased that several people responded, and I’ll give some of those shortly. 

https://www.facebook.com/connie.wohlford/posts/2651768951526931

First let’s consider what it means to “give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4: 27 NKJV).

Various Bible translations say: 

·         “nor give place to the devil.” NKJV

·         “and do not give the devil a foothold.” NIV

·         “and give no opportunity to the devil.” ESV

·         “and do not give the devil an opportunity.” NASB

·         “Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.” MSG

In Ephesians 4, Paul gives practical instructions to the Body of Christ—equipping the saints—on how to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1b NKJV).


Much sound advice is given throughout Paul’s epistle. As I read, I was drawn to verse 27, and asked myself, “What do I tend to do or not do that gives place to the devil?”


Though Paul wrote it with regard to handling anger, I wanted to consider it regarding life in general. 


To see it in the context Paul intended, look at verses 25-27: “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. ‘Be angry and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”


Boy oh boy, when we’re mad, its often hard not to give the devil a foothold through our thoughts, our speech, or our actions.


“The Greek word for place (topos) emphasized that believers can actually give ground in their lives to satanic control.” * 


Please ask yourself what are ways in which you give the devil a piece of your territory—a foothold—a crack in the door. 

For me, there are several situations where I’m vulnerable in this area. Just to name a couple: when I’m hurt or offended, or when I see someone taken advantage of. In such instances I need to guard my heart and watch my mouth. (Proverbs 4:23-27) 

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV  <>  ²³Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ²⁴Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. ²⁵Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ²⁶Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. ²⁷Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

In the comment section below, feel free to give some of your own responses to my question.


Here are some of the answers I got from my social media question:


Kate - Hang around when people are gossiping or being rude, watching movies, media, or ads that make us question God's goodness or provision, not staying with a Sunday school class or home group for encouragement and accountability.


Johnny – For when you are angry you give a mighty foothold for the devil


Cheryle - Believe his lies. When we give in to anger or being offended or bitterness or unforgiveness...


Nancy - Self-pity and complaining.


Ellen – Gossiping.


Robert – Careless talk   


Leila – Concentrating on temporal things more than spiritual things


Odessa - No longer having the fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom and understanding and departing from evil. To do otherwise is giving a place to the devil.


Andrea - Holding on to bitterness and offense is a huge way! The root word of offense comes from the word for bait inside of a trap. If we let offense take root in our heart it will open up to all kinds of other problems where the enemy can build a stronghold.


Cheryl – Not putting on the Armor of God.


Shirley – being out of obedience.



When I posted the question a couple of days ago, it was not my intention to gather blog material, but the responses were so good I decided to share them here. Hope you found them helpful and encouraging. After all, iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17)  


Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

*Spirit Filled Life Bible – New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; commentary, page 1793