A Story of Unexpected Love

Kristen Attwood

I was raised in a church where my dad was a pastor. My parents gave me a strong, godly foundation. Growing up I had all the knowledge, but as a child my beliefs were connected to those of my parent’s. There comes a time in life when you realize your walk with God is your own. 
     This became more real to me when I was in high school and found myself pregnant. I was scared and ashamed. What will my family think and what will the church do? I have wonderful parents and I felt so awful to have to tell them this news. I fell to my knees and cried out to God, pleading for forgiveness. This was the first time in my life I experienced God’s grace and His love for me. He gave me so much comfort as I cried out to Him, and I knew He loved me despite my disobedience.
     When I told my parents, I couldn’t look my dad in the eyes. I thought because of my choices he was going to have to go before the entire church and give his resignation. But instead of being angry with me, he wrapped his arms around me and said, “We love you and it is going to be ok!” He went before the church and their reaction was nothing less! They wrapped their arms around us and were there to support us. It was an example of what “being the church” really means. 
     I chose to keep my beautiful baby girl and named her Chanelle Lynnae. She truly saved me from continuing on a path away from God! The Bible says children are a gift from God and I believe that with all my heart! God transformed my heart as I became a mom. As the years have passed He has continued whispering to me that someday I would help other girls in the same situation I walked through. I have never lost that fire within me and am now at a point where I am able to move forward in that calling. Being a part of Ignite Hope has given me an opportunity to be part of a ministry that works with women dealing with unplanned pregnancies.
     At LC3 we believe in and teach the sanctity of life. As the church it is important to be ready to wrap our arms around girls/women that find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. We have the opportunity to show God’s love by supporting them, walking with them, and providing a safe place where they will not be judged but loved. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. What is God calling you to? I challenge you to walk boldly into His calling on your life and be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Psalms 139:16-17: You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

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