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Becky's Song

3/31/2014

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"The thoughts of her mom make her happy."
Picture
It’s a cool, spring day in Arkansas. A city bus stops in front of the clinic. Becky’s mom takes a deep breath, finding courage to get off and enter the building. She sits patiently, watching the hands of the clock move ever so slowly. 
 
Several weeks ago, a federal judge in Arkansas blocked the state’s attempt to ban most abortions after 12 weeks into a pregnancy. Becky’s mom is now 15 weeks pregnant. This decision gave her an option. 
 
While waiting to be called, it feels as if time were standing still. She steps outside to get some air. While closing her eyes, she lifts her head to the sky and prays. 
 
                                                                         ~ 
 
It’s early in the morning. Becky slowly stretches as she awakes from her sleep. She feels peaceful and refreshed. Sunlight breaks through the window and covers the foot of the bed. Becky sees dust in the light, and watches it dance in poetic form. 
 
She walks outside and is greeted by the sound of birds and a gentle breeze. The grass beneath her feet is cool and inviting. 
 
Becky closes her eyes and starts to daydream. 
 
I hear music and laughter. It’s my 8th birthday – I am having my party at the skate rink. My friends Julie, Hannah and Linda are here. I sit with Mom as she helps me with my skates. With her soft hand, she brushes the hair out of my eyes and says, “Happy birthday, doodle-bug. Have fun!” 
 
I’m terrified. I don’t skate well – not at all. I look at Mom and quietly say, “I’m afraid to fall.” With a big smile on her face, Mom says, “So am I!"  
 
She grabs my hand and we go onto the floor – together. We shake and stumble all the way around. But we never fall. “I won’t let you fall, doodle-bug.” Mom says. “I won’t ever let you go.” 
 
I smell hot, apple pie - my first Thanksgiving. It’s so nice and warm inside my baby blanket. Mom holds me close to her heart. I look up, deep into her eyes and hear her sing: 
 
“Sleep my angel, sleep away. I will never turn away.”  
 
“My love for you will never die. I will never say goodbye.” 
 
Becky opens her eyes and smiles. The thoughts of her mom make her happy. Becky looks along the neighboring field - humming that sweet song. She sees the long prairie grass, slowly dancing in the gently breeze.  
 
Across the field, there are many others enjoying the day. Becky walks toward the field then stops. She begins feeling odd, almost out of place – like living in a dream. 
 
In the field, Becky sees a man walking toward her. As he approaches, the man starts waving frantically. He is tall, dark, and full of energy. The man reaches Becky with a big, contagious smile. 
 
“Hello. What a beautiful day!” 
 
Becky gleefully answers, “Why yes sir, it is!” 
 
The man looks very familiar. Very much so – like an old friend. 
 
While looking across the grassy field, Becky describes her feelings as the man listens. “I’ve been having thoughts of me and Mom – happy memories. The memories seem so real, but also distant, like in a dream.” 
 
As the gentle breeze blows - softly kissing her face, she smiles and continues, “It feels like forever since I’ve seen Mom - I miss her. I want to hear Mom sing so badly.” 
 
With warm, understanding eyes, the man looks at Becky. “Your memories are what should have been, but will never be.” 
 
He takes her hand and quietly says, “Your mom let you go. Before you were born, she asked for my help but decided to choose her own path.” 
 
Back on that cool, fateful day in Arkansas, Becky’s mom had an abortion. Becky never had a chance to live the life she was meant to have. Her mom thinks about it often and sometimes wonders what life would be like with Becky in it. 
 
She will never know. 
 
Becky and the man are standing together, looking across the field of grass. It feels as if time were standing still. Becky starts to cry. “I don’t understand.” 
 
With a deep sigh, the man says, “Your mom didn’t want you - but I do.” 
 
Becky’s heart begins to ache. The man turns to Becky in a most loving way. 
 
“I know every hair on your head, every tiny little bit of you, which makes you who you are. I know what you could have been but were never given the chance to be. You are everything to me.” 
 
With a soft hand, the man wipes the tears from Becky’s eyes. “No more tears, doodle-bug. Long ago, I suffered and cried, so you would never have to.” 
 
Sad and confused, Becky looks deep in the man’s eyes. Her soul begins to swell with love and joy. 
 
“Jesus!” 
 
“Your song is in my heart, Becky. My love for you will never die. I will never say goodbye.” 
 
Becky closes her eyes and lifts her head to the sky. The spirit of the Lord fills her soul. Becky leaps into the arms of the One who created her – the One who truly loves her. 
 
Hand in hand, Jesus and Becky walk across the field. With a big smile, Jesus shares some joyful words. 
 
“My Father will be very happy to see you!” 

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More Planning and Understanding Needed

4/29/2013

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Picture
On my way home from class one Saturday afternoon, I noticed a woman standing with a sign near the Planned Parenthood building. Located across the railroad tracks from UH Central, Nancy was peacefully protesting the abortions taking place in the building close by.

“People need to be informed about
abortion and other available options," said Nancy.

“We are here in love and support of the women who come here.”

Planned Parenthood is a group of health clinics located across the country. They provide “up-to-date, clear, medically accurate information that helps you better understand your sexual health.” Planned Parenthood’s motto is “Care. No matter what.” They stress that “abortion is a safe and legal way to end pregnancy.” 1 out of 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. Planned Parenthood is the leading abortion provider in the United States, performing over one-third of all the abortions in the country last year. 

The number of abortions performed in the United States may be a shock to most Americans. According to the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional association of abortion providers in North America, each year, almost half of all pregnancies among American women are unintended. About half of these unplanned pregnancies, 1.3 million each year, are ended by abortion. They estimate that 35% of all women of reproductive age in America today will have had an abortion by the time they
reach the age of 45.

Again, 1.3 million unplanned babies are aborted each year in America.    

According to a 2011 Virginia Tech study, 24% of college women will become pregnant at some point during their college careers, many resulting in an abortion.

The Houston Planned Parenthood facility near UH Central is the largest late-term abortion clinic in this hemisphere. According to pro-lifers, their focus is on maximizing abortions instead of the best interest of the woman. Various studies, including a 2011 Life Dynamics survey called, “Racial Targeting and Population Control,” have shown that
Planned Parenthood, as well as other independent abortion facilities in America, target both African American and Hispanic communities by making sure their clinics are located in minority-dominated neighborhoods.

The survey cross-examined zip codes of minority neighborhoods and abortion facilities,
found that 83% of abortion or abortion-referring clinics are located in minority
neighborhoods.

The Guttmacher Institute, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood, reports that 43% of abortions are performed on women 18-24 years old, indicating that college students also prime targets for abortion clinics. A high number of abortion clinics are located in areas near colleges. According to another Life Dynamics study, out of the estimated 780 Planned Parenthood affiliates across America, 78.8% (615) are located within 5 miles of a college or university.

Many women regret having an abortion. Young  women may choose abortion because they do not believe they have the support they need to continue their pregnancy. Clinics such as Planned Parenthood are there to financially benefit from this mindset and to continue promoting abortion. 

There are options to abortion such as adoption, non-profit support groups and counseling.

Numerous local organizations promote alternatives to abortion. The Houston Coalition for Life is a pro-life organization rooted with their motto “Ending abortion in Houston, peacefully and prayerfully.” The organization provides counseling and services for mothers-to-be. They also have a mobile crisis pregnancy center (bus) which provides free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. The bus is parked at the Planned Parenthood building near UH Central.

Over the years, there have been many unplanned births. Those individuals make up a large portion of the American population today. I imagine the birth of many pro-choice advocates were unplanned; how ironic.

Although abortion is legal, it doesn’t have to be the choice. For many, the decision to abort their child creates a lasting effect. Too often, abortion results from unplanned pregnancies - not necessarily due to rape or the mother’s life being at risk. Just irresponsible couples. People are drawn into the idea: “It’s simple and quick. Everyone does it. No big deal.” Well, it is a big deal. There are other options to explore. How can we as humans dare to choose between life and death for our unborn child; especially when the pregnancy is caused by our own carelessness?

Abortion is unatural. I believe our lives and the preservation of life is part
of the human condition. We are here to protect life, not destroy it.


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    by Mark Steven Caffey

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