The picture accompanying today’s blog represents everything that is beautiful about a traditional view of motherhood: an innocent child being securely and lovingly held in the arms of a mother who adores and wants the very best in life for her little one.  Against that backdrop, I find the drama being played out in Washington, DC, surreal: Following the leak of a draft opinion that suggests Roe v. Wade may be overturned, barriers have been erected around the Supreme Court building, and the homes of some of the Supreme Court justices are being targeted for protests. Responding to these very different images, I will share my thoughts under two headings:

Mothers Are to Be Honored

I am so thankful that my mother chose to endure the pain of childbirth and bring me into the world.  Weighing well over eleven pounds, that was not an easy task. All these years later, wonderful memories of her influence fill my mind: While attending college in another state, any time that I traveled home, I was assured that a freshly cooked pot of chili awaited my arrival. It was one of the many ways that she said, “I love you.”  Of greater importance, her intercessory prayers shaped the direction of my life. Therefore, I never pass up an opportunity to encourage struggling mothers to remember that there is something special about a mother’s prayer! 

Memories of Linda as a young mother lovingly caring for our children are more precious than I can express. Always an early riser who awakened happy, she looked forward to spending quality time with each child before her busy day began. Now, aging and the ravages of Alzheimer’s are obviously impacting her physical appearance and capacity to interact; however, the wonderful presence of Christ within makes her more beautiful than ever. My awareness that in Heaven she is going to inhabit a glorified body and be free from confusion and delusions overwhelms me with joy. She is, and will forever be, the love of my life!

Children Must Be Protected

Last Tuesday, seeking to interact with Linda, I asked for permission to hold her baby doll. With him sitting on my knee and with exaggerated gestures, I had the little guy wave at her and say, “Hey Mama, I love you!”  Her big smile let me know that my pantomime worked. A few minutes later, another resident sitting a few feet away and observing our interaction, preparing to leave for her evening meal, turned to Linda and asked, “Will you take care of my baby while I am gone?” Flashing her trademark smile, she nodded “Yes.” Reflecting on what took place during that forty-five-minute visit, I realize that two important realities that I have long believed were reinforced: First, Alzheimer’s reverses the order of the lifespan and returns the sufferer to the status of a child. Secondly, God has placed within women a gifting for motherhood that cannot, without willful consent, be erased.

With over 63,000,000 abortions performed since 1973 and the total increasing each minute, one would think that even staunch proponents of Roe v. Wade would concede that something is gravely wrong; however, that does not appear to be the case. Originally, conceptualized as a way to save the lives of women who might otherwise resort to “back-alley” abortions, it has become, for many, a form of birth control and a lucrative industry for those who utilize the benefits of fetal tissue. Sadly, the vitriol which often characterizes the discourse between proponents and opponents of abortion obliterates a truth that deserves consideration:  In 1973, the scientific knowledge of life in the womb made it acceptable to utilize terminology such as a “blob of tissue” to describe a fetus. Today, scientific advancements render that option archaic.

As the truth is revealed, Americans are becoming outraged at the disregard for the sanctity of life which is being demonstrated by the Russian Army as they seek to destroy Ukraine, a smaller country. Applying that same standard to abortion would significantly alter the conversation and be in keeping with Jesus’ teaching regarding the value of little children:

Once when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, “Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away!  I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into his Kingdom.” Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and he blessed them (Mark 10:13-16 TLB).