Freedom to Love Copyright John M. KIngery 2012
“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again.” Job 1:21
Over the last few months there has been an on-going battle with regards to women’s health, contraception and abortion. Each side has staked out their position with passion and convinced they have the answer. I watched Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life, debate Virginia ultrasound legislation with Nancy Keenan of NARAL on the PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff on Thursday, February 23, 2012. You can see the video at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june12/abortion_02-23.html
When it was done, I was left with more question than answers. Terms like gold-standard, medically necessary and informed consent were bandied about. Each speaker was defending their turf, and honestly were not too convincing. Where is the love for mother, father, and child?
Where I work, we have a program for clients who are transitioning to becoming parents. One of my co-workers works with these couples. She talks about the “van time” she has with them as they go to appointments or events. This young people how to respond various parenting issues. How do I respond when my baby doesn’t want to sleep? What does it mean when my baby cries? They are simply asking what does being a parent mean.
As communities and society what does parenting mean? This is not an easy issue. I pray that we can bring love back into the discussion. Love supporting the mother and father in their new responsibilities. Love nurturing the new child.
You may have heard about the organization Birthright http://www.birthright.org/. They provide caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. I would suggest visiting their website and seeing how you might be able to help.
We are called to build communities of love and not condemnation.
Peace,
John