My argument is that we as Christians like to stand on our morals and tell others how wrong they are, but we don't want to have to do anything that is inconvenient.
Let me put it to you in questions: How many of us have signed petitions to make abortion (especially partial birth abortions) illegal? How many of us have volunteered at crisis pregnancy outreach centers? What about donating money or things to a center of this nature? (this one is a bit easier- you don't really even have to get your hands dirty to donate stuff or money) These are good and worthwhile things. Here are a few harder questions. How many of us have adopted these unwanted children? Ouch.
How about some harder questions: How many of us use birth control? Now hold on just a minute, that is between us and God! It is my family and I have the right to choose ....... sound like a pro life or a pro choice argument?
Did you know that ALL forms of hormonal birth control are abortifactants? That means that they will not allow implantation if an egg is actually dropped (which it is in most cases every month regardless of taking your pill faithfully). If implantation is not allowed, what do you suppose happens? I am not even talking about IUD's or rings; these are abortifactants in their primary action. Research for yourself- don't take my word for it.
Here is perhaps the hardest of all questions: What about congratulating that larger family on their fourth pregnancy? But don't they know what causes that? What about college? God did give you a brain.....
People can get quite rude about this in public- strangers you have never met feel like they have the right to comment on the size of your family. If I were a lesbian adopting all these children I would be a heroine. But since we have chosen to allow God to number our children, we are freaks. I am not just talking about strangers, this goes for well meaning Christians as well. I say well meaning, I think that they just cannot fathom the idea. These are actually some of the most hurtful comments, right next to those from relatives. Sometimes what is not said is worse than what is. We are pregnant with number seven (can you hear the collective gasps?) and not one grandparent gave a congratulations. Mind you if my mom were still alive she would have said congratulations and meant it.
This is not just a number seven issue either. Out of six of the children we have had, three had showers. We just do not celebrate life.
Children are not convenience items. They are hard work and dedication. They are dying to yourself daily.
We tell the Lord "let me have control of my womb", children don't work into my plans right now; and then when we are ready to conceive, we wail to God like Hannah because we can't conceive. I think He says, "but I thought you wanted me to stay out of it?" The average time to conceive after the patch is 36 months. But your Dr won't tell you that.
Children are a blessing, but we don't act like it. We don't live like it. We don't even pretend to believe the Bible on this one. After all, God did give us brains to think for ourselves.
Proverbs 16:25 and Proverbs 14:12 are identical:
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Psalm 127:3-5
Sons are a heritage from the Lord,children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Worldly wisdom tells us that "Eight is Enough". But I will tell you that never has one old man or woman come up to me and said, "You have really messed up. You should have stopped at two."
No, what they do say is, "What a lovely family. We only had three. (or four, or five) I wish we had had more."
Worldly wisdom tells us that "Eight is Enough". But I will tell you that never has one old man or woman come up to me and said, "You have really messed up. You should have stopped at two."
No, what they do say is, "What a lovely family. We only had three. (or four, or five) I wish we had had more."
Posts
Very well written, Miss Sheila, and I happen to agree 100%! I applaud you for saying what you believe and doing so with conviction!
ReplyDeleteI didn't ever realize you were a blogger. I've subscribed so I can peek back in from time to time. I'm actually a pretty prolific blogger. I've found it to be a great outlet for my words and opinions .... and a good way for a shy girl to make friends! :)