When our daughter’s words conveyed something we had not anticipated, a profound sense of peace from God enveloped us. Amidst the shock, our hearts were filled with the immense love we have for the daughter on the other end of the video call, sharing the news of her unplanned pregnancy.
In that initial state of astonishment mixed with all the questions surrounding this relationship, God assured us that He is still working out His sovereign plan in the midst of our daughter’s announcement. Our parents were visiting and had intended to depart the day before, but unforeseen events extended their stay. Without delay, we shared the news with them and joined together in prayer for Jessica and the father of the child.
Just last month, we journeyed to Chicago to attend a baby shower for Jessica. Her due date is July 25. Accompanied by all four of our daughters and a close-knit circle of friends she has cultivated over the years, we rejoiced in the blessing of the life growing within Jessica’s womb. We offered words of encouragement and encircled her in prayer during this joyous occasion.
The pregnancy has been a mix of emotions and relational connections for both us and Jessica. In reality it has impacted every relationship to some degree. But what we do know is that we have a granddaughter whom we will also love unconditionally. We invite you to join with us in prayer, and to contact us to talk more.
When we delve into the four gospels, we encounter a resounding truth: Christ consistently reached out to those who were labeled as engaging in the most severe sins. Rather than passing judgment, He approached them with unwavering compassion. Countless stories unfold of Him sharing meals and spending time with tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, and other individuals labeled as “sinners.” It is remarkable how this association with the religiously condemned earned Him intense ridicule from the religious authorities of His time. Even more astonishing is that these very individuals, deemed as sinners, not only dared to dine with a revered teacher but also had the courage to seek His help—and Christ readily granted their requests.
“For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Psalm 139:13-16
While we are saddened by the circumstances that led to Jessica’s pregnancy, we wholeheartedly celebrate the life of this soon-to-be-born child. Moreover, we honor Jessica for the remarkable mother she has already become.