The Grace Pace

Life is an extraordinary journey, full of ups and downs, immense joy and painful regrets…but I have found that most people, when asked if they’d actually go back and change anything, they initially laugh & begin to quickly process those defining moments across time…only to pause and say with somber wisdom in their voices, “Actually, I don’t believe I would…because every experience has shaped who I am today.”

I agree.

In the midst of the hard times, I thought I might give up and so many times I honestly hoped for it to just end. The burden of shame, regret, abandonment – it’s just too much to carry.

Yet, I survived and somehow – I’m better having learned more about myself and the world through those tough lessons that got my attention and served as a catalyst for change in my life.

Choosing life for your baby, especially when you can’t seem to see past the present moment of panic and fear, is definitely one of those catalyst moments.

We are fully aware that our choice is a huge decision.

What we don’t always consider, is that it will affect our future, regardless of what we choose.

For me, I quickly chose abortion the first time, believing that at 16, I would surely regret “throwing my life away”, and somehow that thought wasn’t even the most pressing. I remember being most ashamed that I was letting my family down and I was so embarrassed about what “everyone else” would think or say.

Those things had already happened. My family was disappointed and the gossip mill was in full swing. None of that could be changed…yet, the fear still convinced me into making a rash, emotionally driven decision?

I still try to wrap my mind around it, to understand how I was so naive, but it’s also served as a major realization that the decision clearly didn’t fall squarely on my shoulders… and I have found comfort that brought healing & forgiveness.

At 16 – pregnancy felt like an untimely end to life as I knew it, and that was unfathomable. My brain was not even developed enough yet to truly comprehend the weight of what was happening, much less view it as a beautiful investment in the future.

The lies that fear perpetuates seem so rational at the time – blinding us from seeing the reality that a positive pregnancy test confirms life.

I was already a mother at that moment.

The choice was never whether or not to become a mother – that was already established and the decision was no longer only concerning myself.

Still – fear deceived me into running, willfully into the soul-crushing failure to protect my own child.

I know that now.

But the enemy already knew…

He knew that the tiny life I held was created for a purpose. He already knew that God would use my testimony to bring Glory to the situation. He already knew that, even through adoption, my child would have become his enemy – because my child was already created in the image of God.

It’s been over 20 years now, but God’s plan for that child’s life has still prevailed – through my voice – I can finally give my child a piece of what I unwittingly stole. God’s plans cannot be stopped. There is nothing so awful we can do that will disqualify us from His Grace and mercy.

For me – that’s a life-changing affirmation that amidst uncertainties and failures, there is always hope!

Hope for growth, hope for love, and hope for a future where your child uniquely contributes to the tapestry of humanity in ways you may have never imagined.

In choosing life, women embark on an exciting journey that shapes not only their own lives but also the future of generations to come.

It is a decision that echoes with courage, love, and the undeniable belief that life, in all its complexities, is a journey worth taking.

If you or someone you love is facing an unexpected pregnancy, please reach out to someone. It may be a friend, a mentor, or even a local Pregnancy Resource Center.

With so many conflicting ideas & agendas screaming in our faces everywhere we turn, it begins to feel like you and your baby are just a part of some political issue, but let this be your reminder that you are both precious lives, deserving of true compassion & genuine support as YOU weigh the information and essentially make the decisions on behalf of yourself and your baby.

Nobody else is affected by your decision. Their opinions carry no weight.

No woman should have to walk through this alone and it hurts my heart to think of the countless people who suffer in silence through this decision, simply because of the uproar that’s happening in our society.

As someone who has experienced abortion & loss, as well as unexpected pregnancy and the joy of finally becoming a mother, followed by years of prayer as my husband and I longed for another child – I’ve felt every emotion imaginable throughout my pregnancy journey and I am finally healed and equipped and even HOPEFUL to share my story with others – to hold your hand as you navigate these emotions.

I don’t have all the answers and we may be even disagree on many things, but that’s the beauty, isn’t it? Like I said before – this decision is yours. Not mine.

Remember, those who intend to truly HELP you make an informed decision that you can have peace about – that you can live with long after this moment has passed – should never shame you into a decision to appease their own ego or beliefs. Yes, I am very clearly “Pro-Life” and do not refer or support abortion… BUT I do support having all of the facts & allowing you the tools to help you ensure safety. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. No matter what you decide.

You are loved. You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.

I’d love to talk with you and help get you connected with a community of support and with the resources you need.

Blessings to you all,

Brittney 💕