God’s Handprints

This story is to give hope to people who are unsettled or unhappy about their pregnancy, feeling alone, guilty, or ashamed, or unsure of what to do next.
If we can’t learn from the trials of others, then we have nothing to learn at all. My journey to contentment wasn’t necessarily quick and easy, but today I live a life full of joy, love, and gratitude because of some tough choices I made that I felt were right. When you know you’re doing the right thing, the tough roads miraculously smooth out. You may not find the rainbow with the pot of gold at the end of it, but you will find peace. Peace is something every person deserves, and its value is greater than gold. Your journey won’t be error-free because humans all make mistakes and sin. But leave your remorse and guilt at the foot of the cross because Jesus already died for your sins and mine.

This story isn’t about debating pro-life versus pro-choice. Life and its value are not debatable. Rather, it’s about pro-you and the life God has blessed you with. If you’re reading this book, know that God has blessed you and no matter what you’ve done, God loves you. If you think no one is listening to your cries of joy or sadness, God is. If you think nobody understands your pain and fear, God does. And if you think no one will go on this journey with you, God will.
My challenge for you as the reader of this book, no matter what age you are, what you may have done or not done, whether you are a Christian or not, go on a journey with God. It will be the greatest trip of your life.

My life was spinning fast, the noise level was deafening, and I was struggling to hear God’s voice. All of a sudden the quiet came. My parents weren’t talking, my roommates and classmates were awkwardly silent, and strangers just stared. Now, it was the quiet that was deafening. Quiet can be scary when we are unsettled, unstable, and unsure, but it is an opportunity and gift to delve into the middle of the silence, seeking God’s voice. In the midst of quiet, we can recognize a tap on the shoulder, a little voice speaking to us, or a feeling in our gut that shows us that the Holy Spirit is at work within us.

One of the scariest times in my life happened when I was sitting on my porch, deep in thought and prayer. God spoke to me. I heard him say, “Ann, it’s time.” I realized that the date was July 10th and exactly thirty-five years prior I had given birth to twin boys out of wedlock. Since it was their birthday I knew this message was from God. I didn’t know if I had the strength or courage to do what God was asking me to do. God must have understood my fear because he put the right people with the right words to guide me on my journey to find them.