Tuesday, February 24, 2015

THE DATING GAME

I am excited to announce that I am officially a published author.  Please check out my short story, "Holiday Party," in the Amazon #1 Best Seller THE DATING GAME.  The anthology is comprised of 16 stories by 17 talented authors. Each story is really good and I'm so thankful to be a part of it.  Purchase your copy today and leave a review on Amazon.

Thank you,
Lou

Saturday, February 7, 2015

He Just Loved Me


 
I was devastated when I first found out I was pregnant.  I was a sophomore in college.  I wasn’t married. I wasn’t even in a relationship with my child’s father. I was nowhere near financially stable.  I didn’t feel I was mature enough or kind enough or selfless enough or wise enough to raise a baby.  To make matters worse, I was the pastor’s daughter.  I sang in the choir.  I was a Sunday School teacher. I should have known better. If I chose to keep the baby I would prove to be the stereotypical rebellious P.K. (preacher’s kid) and my secret sin would be exposed to the world. 

I felt so ashamed. I just knew that my mom and dad would be disappointed.  I remember thinking that terminating the pregnancy would be my best option.  That way only God and a couple friends would know about my indiscretion. I just hoped that God would forgive me for the choice I planned to make.

I scheduled my doctor’s appointment for a Tuesday and was certain the test in her office would confirm the results of two tests I had already taken at home.  I was prepared to tell her that I didn’t want to go through with the pregnancy.  I rehearsed the conversation in my mind as I headed to my parents’ home the day before my scheduled appointment. 

It was during that car ride that the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  “It will be alright,” He said.

I shook my head. I must not have heard correctly. 

“It will be alright,” He said again.  “Don’t worry about what people think.  I am with you and it will be alright.  Yes, your parents will be disappointed, but they will love you and your child unconditionally.”

I voiced my many other concerns, but God assured me that He would help me, that my child was a blessing, and that He would provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory.

“I am her Father.  She will be fine,” He assured me.

I remember feeling an overwhelming sensation of love after talking honestly with my heavenly Father.  I had heard about His love.  I thought I understood the depths of His love, but my conversation with Him during that car ride was when I really felt the power of His love. 

He loved me so much that He was willing to forgive me on the spot.  He wasn’t angry with me.  He just loved me. He even promised to bless my child (and me). He offered peace, if only I would trust Him.  He promised not to let me fall. That’s some kind of love!

Twelve years later, I look back and see that God was true to His word.  When I first told my parents, they both responded in love—especially my dad, who said that they would do whatever they could to support me.  And he absolutely meant it. As long as they lived they earnestly loved my daughter. They did above and beyond what was required to make sure she knew how loved she was. I was initially worried about graduating from college on time. I graduated on time and with honors. I didn’t start out as an affectionate or selfless mom. I had a lot of growing up to do. But God was right there with me. I can honestly say that I am now a wonderful mom. And just as God promised, my daughter has been such a blessing to me. I’m still not where I want to be financially, but my daughter has not “needed” for anything—God has provided.

I encourage you to cast your cares upon God because He cares for you. He will quiet your anxieties and give you peace that surpasses understanding, if only you will trust Him. Rest assured, when He makes a promise, He is faithful to keep it.