Choices & Victory - Blog Post
*Warning* This blog post may be considered taboo to some, but I feel compelled to share. I hope it speaks to your heart.
Have you ever heard of LifeCare Network? If so, don't you LOVE them!? If not, you should check them out. For the last two years, I've had the honor of being invited to their annual LifeCare Gala in Tampa (thanks Fallon!). I cannot begin to express the impact this organization has had on me. So many amazing, heartwarming stories of love, courage and LIFE. When I say "I cannot express", I mean it. It would literally be a thesis-type blog. Toooo much to convey in a tiny little photo blog! It gets in your heart folks; deep in your heart. I could go on for days... So now you're wondering what the heck LifeCare Network is... Well, the short version is that they are a community of people serving at Choices Women's Centers in Brandon & Southshore who care deeply for women and men (yes, men too!) experiencing a crisis pregnancy AND those needing abortion recovery. This organization runs on volunteers y'all. These people CARE. For those experiencing these challenges, LifeCare Network offers complete education about ALL of their choices and they offer grace and love throughout the journey (from pregnancy through baby's first year). They offer resources, counseling, real education and a shoulder to lean on. Why am I talking about them?? (hah - so many reasons!) The main reason is that I met this special Mamma through the last gala I attended. I actually knew her prior to the gala, but I didn't know her story. Funny thing - she actually assisted me at a small beach wedding not even a year before the gala! #smallworld Thank you LifeCare for enabling me to hear her story.
Moving on... Her story. Ashten experienced a crisis pregnancy. Still pregnant, she was brave enough to share her story at the LifeCare Network Gala along with the support of her Mom who stood right beside her. Tears, tears, tears. I can't imagine what she went through finding out she was pregnant when that was the last thing on her mind. Fear, shame, panic? I don't know all the inner workings of how it all played out, but I know her Mom LOVED her and her Pastor LOVED her. Through their guidance, the church LOVED on her. And through that, Ashten CHOSE LIFE. Would we have all loved her if she hadn't? Of course. But what we wouldn't have loved is the pain that Ashten would have lived with. Please, don't anyone take this blog as a judgement or directive. I'm in no position to judge ANYONE for ANYTHING. I am imperfect. But, y'all, my heart leaps when I hear people choosing life. I know people who haven't, and they hurt. They hurt for a long time; maybe forever. The situation is tough, the options are tough, the choice is tough. I get it. Personally, I am so proud of and excited for Ashten's choice for LIFE. I'm pretty sure she is too!! During the LifeCare Gala, I chose to honor her choice for life. Just a few days after precious little Amelia made her arrival in this beautiful world, we did just that. I sure hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed capturing these amazing, miraculous moments of these two courageous ladies.
Do you know someone experiencing a crisis pregnancy? I would encourage you to direct them to Choices Women's Center in Brandon or Southshore. They will be loved, encouraged and educated by people who genuinely care for them as people. They aren't just numbers. They aren't just another procedure waiting. They are human beings who need comfort and encouragement and education to make the right decision for them. They will have an actual relationship with someone who wants to help them. Again, I cannot say enough about LifeCare. And I cannot say enough how proud I am of Ashten's choice for LIFE!!
