It’s been months since I’ve written. I just haven’t felt moved to do so. Normally there’s a stirring, some issue that grips me. That has not been the case – until yesterday.

The last several months have been emotional ones for our nation. There are strong feelings about the outcome of the election on both sides of the political aisle. There is anger. This is expected when individuals with vastly differing views are forced to reconcile. It’s especially understandable when “the world,” Scripture’s term for unbelievers, cannot come to terms with the values and views of those who stake their lives on the truth and authority of God’s Word. Those two worlds are separated by a veil. Only the Holy Spirit can lift that veil.

What has moved me is what appears to be a compromise by some – a walk with “the world” that seems, at least to me, to mock the ancient words on which the Church is built.

There were many purposes and causes behind yesterday’s nationwide march for women, and the heart attitudes of those in attendance cannot be known. But the most promoted “cause” I heard or read about was abortion rights. I also heard terms like “strong women” and “women’s rights.” I also witnessed intense anger. I grieved.

My heart is full in response.

Inasmuch as today is Sanctity of Life Sunday, I share the following:

Psalm 139: 13, 16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

 Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…”

There are many others, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll stop there. The point is, life is His to create and His to take. Period. Know that statement is coming from a formerly pro-choice individual. But, like Jacob, I’ve wrestled with God, and my heart has been dramatically and profoundly changed by His Spirit and the truth of His Word. I have tremendous mercy for women in crisis pregnancies. So does my Savior. He will work all things out for good when He is allowed to reign in those circumstances. Ending the life He is forming and has ordained is not His answer.

Yes, but…you say. Yes, but what about the unbeliever in a crisis pregnancy? They are not going to turn to Christ to “work things out.” True. But when a society deems it acceptable to kill the most vulnerable and innocent among them for the sake of convenience, then all of human life is devalued. It’s no surprise that the murder rate in general is rising. We must work for a better solution than the savagery of abortion. Killing cannot be the answer.

Now I will address “strong women.” I consider myself a strong woman. But when I examine my life, who I was before Christ and who I am now, I know that the only strength I possess is because of Who He is in me. That’s not just simple observation of the road I’ve traveled, but it’s also the message of Scripture. We are told that every heart is deceitful and there is none without sin, but it is through our weakness that His power is made perfect in us. Our strength does not come from the support of shouting crowds with placards; true strength comes from Christ alone. If my goal is anything but the furtherance of His kingdom through His power, then I’ve missed the purpose of my calling.

I must address “women’s rights.” My view on this will probably shock you the most. As far as I’m concerned, aside from the legal rights I have as a citizen of this great nation and basic human rights, I have none. I’m not saying this because I’m a woman. I’m saying this because I’m a Christian. By “rights” I mean the right to do what I want, when I want, how I want. You see, I was purchased. My Savior’s blood paid for me. My life is no longer my own. It belongs to Jesus. If I call myself a Christian and yet march through this life demanding my way, then I don’t understand discipleship. As believers, we must be careful to make sure Scripture, not culture, shapes our hearts and minds.

Finally, the anger. James tells us that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” All of us are guilty of anger at times, but it should be short-lived and eventually, with humility, sacrificed at the base of the cross, not waved as a banner over our heads. (I must choose to do the same with my grief.)

Surely it is right to demonstrate mercy to those who suffer, regardless of their value system. Jesus would approve. But I believe there are ways to demonstrate that mercy without affirming ungodly behaviors.

A quick note on the election. Scripture tells us that every governing authority is allowed in place by our sovereign Lord. (Romans 13:1, John 19:11, Proverbs 8:15, Daniel 2:21, Acts 13:22) I meditated on and sought comfort through this truth with past Presidents, and I will continue to hold onto it during this current administration. What He allows is for His big-picture purpose, not our convenience or comfort. We must trust Him.

Sola Scriptura. I’ve been moved.

Joy in Jesus (no matter what),

Jacquee