Demonstrating the Greatest Love to Women Facing Unplanned Pregnancies
The three of them floated in the freezing sea water for more than six hours, with Hohnen treading water and holding onto his son before help arrived. Hohnen insisted the helicopter help his son first, and though his child was unconscious and presumed dead, the rescue team miraculously brought him back with CPR. Just like Hohnen’s son, a woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy may feel as if she’s drowning. But we can keep her from feeling overwhelmed by the crashing waves by holding onto her and filling her with love.
Caring Network has served as a life preserver for women and their families for nearly 40 years. We assure each woman who comes to our centers that they are not alone during this emotional journey. By working closely with them, we offer nonjudgmental support and free services when they need it most. Rescuing mothers and their children from abortion could not be accomplished without the support of individual and church partners. To find out more about how you can help mothers hang on in a time of crisis, reach out to Caring Network today!
Love Is in the Little Things
When the boat first capsized, Hohnen’s son told his father, “It will be alright, dad.” Then the little boy pointed towards Caloundra and said, “We just have to swim that way, dad.”
At first glance, swimming to shore may have seemed like the easiest solution. There would be no need to wait for rescue. Solid ground would be beneath their feet again instead of the choppy ocean waves. However, Hohnen knew he needed to hang on and wait. He would have had to let go of his son to swim to dry land, as he would not be able to swim back with the weight of his child pushing him underwater.
This same idea presents itself when it comes to a woman who’s considering abortion. She may feel overwhelmed by her situation. There may be a temptation to let go and save herself instead of hanging on and waiting for help to arrive. That is why it’s so important for her to know she does not have to endure the unsteadiness of the ocean forever.
A rescue team is waiting to pluck her from the water and keep the waves from going over her head. You can be the one who provides her hope. You can be there to keep her calm while she waits for the approaching helicopter. Through gestures of mercy and grace, you can extend the mighty power of God’s love unto her. Your actions – no matter how small – can affirm for a woman in crisis the value of her life, and that of her child’s.
Bestowing Compassion Onto Others
God explains his relationship to us in 1 John 4:7-8 when he says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
We are privileged to be the recipients of the greatest love imaginable. To be kind to others and spread goodness in return is not merely a request. It is our duty as Christians to perform charity in His name. It may not always be easy. There may be confusion about what it is God is calling us to do. But if we take the time to listen, we can gain an understanding of what role God intends for us to play.
It may not be what we expected. And compassionate duties can even be thrust upon us without warning. However, when God’s calling comes, we can fulfill our purpose by dedicating ourselves to serving in a manner pleasing to God. We were placed here on earth to multiply the gifts of God’s kingdom. We can use the limited time we have to offer others hope through Christ-like behavior.
Just like Hohnen, you can be a calming voice to a woman in need. You can lift up her and her child so they do not despair.
Caring Network invites you to be a part of our life-saving work. Your prayers, volunteer work, and valuable partnership help us empower women and their families through Christ-centered, holistic care. Women benefit from free, compassionate services at each of our six centers. Reach out to join our mission today!
