Sarah’s (name changed) story is not unlike many of our clients’ stories. She’s a young woman, a mom of two other children, and experiencing a crisis unexpected pregnancy with a third child. Here’s her story.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV ” Do not fear, For I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you ; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand .”
“This verse was recently told to me by someone who would be the first of many to welcome me into yet another beautiful journey. As an adult these words tug on my heartstrings.
Looking back at my childhood I’m not sure I would have understood this. At 13, I was passed on from family member to family member with no real sturdy foundation to call home. At 15, I was placed into a group home, where I remained until I was 16 and pregnant.
And from 16 on, I was unsure where my journey would lead me, or how difficult it would be. At the age of 21, I had two children and had entered a family shelter system where we had spent the last 2 years. At the age of 23, both me and my children had moved into an apartment with a housing assistant voucher funded by the state of New York.
So walking into Soundview and being a 23-year-old mother who has been blessed with two very kind-hearted, intelligent boys ages 6 and 3, struck both anxiety and fear into my heart. This is because walking into Soundview would mean confirmation that I am indeed pregnant. Which would ultimately mean I then would be faced with a very difficult and life-changing decision to make.
Walking into Soundview, the feeling I got from everyone was very encouraging, sweet, and genuine. During my sit down, I remember being told that I was indeed pregnant. I remember the feeling of anxiety swept over me, and it became harder to breathe…almost as if my mask was suffocating me. The people were reassuring me that if I needed anything that they were there, and anything they can do to help me eased my anxiety, and gave me the feeling of comfort.
During my first ultrasound I entered the bathroom for what was the second time, and that’s when I noticed the sign on the wall that said “You are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think you are.” Words that I think I really needed to hear…almost as if God Himself spoke to me through those simple words.
It was then due to fear that I began to seek the confirmation of others (my support team), which led me to the same answer: “Do not seek the approval, answers and/or confirmation of man but instead seek God.” Psalm 34: 4-5 KJV
“I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from my fears. They looked unto him and all were lighted, and their faces were not ashamed.”
After my appointment and being given confirmation that I was pregnant, and the information, my options with support, I was still unsure of what to do. After the course of a day, I received a phone call stating that they had a gift they had forgotten to give me and asked if I was able to pick it up.
Upon arrival I was again greeted with very sweet familiar faces. After receiving the box and opening this box up, this box was titled “Brave Girl” by Embrace Grace. I cried because that seemed to be the words of encouragement and they were a recurring theme.
In the box was a onesie that said “Best Gift Ever,” a book, a journal, a pen, and my favorite- a handwritten letter expressing how brave I was and what a blessing it was. And at this point, I made my decision to keep my baby.
Romans 8:28 NKJV “And we know that all things work together for the good to those who are called according to His purpose.” Those things may be hard, I know. And understand that God continues to bless both me, and my family, and continues to make a way for us.
After visiting Soundview, and witnessing many kinds of beautiful encouraging women, it made this journey all the more meaningful. Single mothers or even single family units regardless of the situation need to be educated more, and told about support groups and most importantly need to feel as if they’re not alone. And this is to me a memory that I will never forget, a family that I will never forget.”
This is just one of many stories that is fruit from your giving. A Life saved. Priceless.
