BY JESSICA LANDMON
I inevitably know that this blog will be somewhat controversial, but hear my heart. To be honest, I feel like if you hold a conservative position on this matter, it is assumed that you are either a male trying to control a woman’s body or you are some out-of-touch individual hanging on to old fashion ideals. Well, I assure you, I am neither one of these. I firmly believe that promoting the idea that life is a choice is destroying our younger generation.
You see, I believe that every life has purpose. Period. God has a master plan, and each of us has a part in that plan and a destiny to fulfill. Some will be the masterminds to help cure cancer, some will paint masterpieces for people for generations to enjoy, and others will make their mark by simply sharing a kind word of encouragement to a person who so desperately needs to hear one. The list obviously goes on, but one thing we need to realize is that each person’s contribution to society is what makes this world a beautiful place.
When we start making decisions about a human being’s value –even in the womb – or are fighting for the right to end life because the pregnancy is inconvenient, unplanned, or even the result of a horrendous crime, we are proclaiming to the younger generation that all lives don’t matter. That’s right, our youth are intently listening to a disturbing message that society would be better off without some.
No wonder the suicide rate is at the highest it’s ever been, especially in the younger demographics. They have consistently been fed a message that some lives are mistakes and that the world could be better off without those individuals. When people fight for Pro-Choice legislation, it tells the younger audience that their own parents may be better off without the burden of raising a child. We need to examine the effects of what this could have on a confused 15-year-old young woman who doesn’t think her life has purpose. She begins to question her worth, and decides that if her life adds no value, she might as well end it.
“For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:13
Despite the circumstances of conception, each of us has been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. However, as a society, we have devalued life and reduced it to mere happenstance. We must stop communicating a message that some lives have no purpose if they are filled with struggle, hardship, or failure. This generation needs hope and to be reassured that even if their life does not shape out how they planned, God has a plan. And it is good!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11