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Several years ago, when something outrageous happened in our culture, I would get all riled up and head to my laptop to blog my latest opinion on the matter. Like everyone needed to know my perspective? Ha!

I am a writer. It is in my DNA, and this blog was initially created to be a place for my passionate opinions to spill out. You could choose to read or not.

Lately, I feel a little hesitant to blog anymore. It’s not that I don’t have those same impassioned responses to cultural events. It is more of just a sadness that overwhelms me over the society that we live in. Why even waste my time blogging my perspective?

But for what it’s worth, I want to share what is on my heart about the Super Bowl halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. I witnessed the first several minutes, but then my husband and I decided to turn the channel. We knew where it was headed. We weren’t shocked because this is what our society embraces as entertainment. We can blame Pepsi for allowing that kind of halftime show, but let’s face it, a long time ago we as a culture signed off on allowing the over-sexualization of women—and men—through our televisions. It’s who we have become as a culture.

I don’t want to dwell on the halftime show. You have probably already read enough social media posts and articles about it, ad nauseam. What I do want to convey is a verse in the Bible that speaks to my sorrow over this event.

In Psalm 139:13-14, David writes: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  

Take a minute and read that verse over again. Let it sink in. You were created by God. You are made in His image and are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Friends, we weren’t made for a culture that throws out degrading sexual images at the slightest whim. That’s not the reflection of being fearfully and wonderfully made. And that’s not how we praise our Creator.

As believers in Christ, when you truly understand that God “knit you together in your mother’s womb” and uniquely designed you, then that’s the image you want to reflect—a mirroring that honors the One who loves you as He created you.

Oh, my heart goes out to Shakira and J. Lo, who think their body image and talent have to attract a sexual response from society.

My heart goes out to men and women who feel their worth only comes from their sexuality and desires.

My heart goes out to those who feel that their gender is not determined by God, who so uniquely created them for His purpose.

My heart goes out to those who feel unworthy: trapped in addiction, depression, regrets, and failing to grasp God’s unrelenting love for them.

So here I am writing with sadness because I know how difficult it is to embrace the concept of what “fearfully and wonderfully made” means in our society. I witness it being rejected over and over again because God is rejected.

The enemy will try everything to blind you from that powerful concept of God’s endless love for you. He always distorts your reflection so that you will reject the beauty of your image designed by God, your Creator.

Face it, you are a work of God’s divine hand! You are not a mistake. You have a purpose. God knit you together in your mother’s womb designing your gender, your sexuality, your looks, your emotions, your talents… with YOU in mind!

For me, the halftime show was about the grief I feel for our world. We are lost in a reflection that bears no image to our Creator. We were made for dancing to a different beat to praise and honor the beauty of who we are through the salvation of Jesus Christ. And when you truly grasp the magnitude of that purpose, you’ll honor your image (your body) in a way that doesn’t require anyone to turn the TV channel. Because “fearfully and wonderfully made” is a joyful celebration of God’s design for all of society.

Let’s celebrate and embrace that image, share it with the world— even if it is continually rejected— and more importantly, let’s reflect that in our lives for our children’s sake.

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If there is one small glimmer of hope that has come from the state of New York’s late-term abortion bill, it’s that there is a conscience among people waking up to the evil of abortion.

But I am going to pivot from talking about that bill or even how other states are pushing forward the same type of legislation because my heart breaks for the post-abortive mothers and fathers.

What do you feel when you witness this news flooding media and social media? Are you reminded about that dreadful day? I want to know your heart, but I especially want to hear your voice.

I am not talking about those who stand by their “choice” of abortion and who have no remorse. My heart goes after those who have done the work of forgiveness before God about past abortions. Those who are walking in freedom but who share stories of regret.

I am sure it is difficult to watch both sides of the argument of abortion from your perspective. There is outrage on both sides and in the midst of it, there is your story. Perhaps, an experience that you have hidden for years and still can’t face for fear of the shame wrapped around it.

Or maybe, you have dealt with your abortion and found healing through the pain and trauma. You now walk in the freedom that can only come from the power of Jesus Christ that fills that deep sorrow with inexplicable joy.

Regardless of where you are in your healing process from abortion, today I want to encourage you.

There is a scripture that I have always read in the context of the unborn child. You often see images of this scripture in promoting the sanctity of life. But as you read it this time, let it speak to you and who you are in Christ as a post-abortive mother or father.

For you created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

When I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

Were written in your book

Before one of them came to be.  

Psalm 139:13-16

 

The character of God loves us in our most unworthy state. Nothing has been hidden from Him in our life story. He knew you before you were born and each day —even those painful, tragic days— were seen by Him. Yet, He loves us and wraps us in forgiveness when we seek it.

Just think of the contrast between abortion and that scripture. Abortion speaks the lie that there is no value in the life of the unborn, but God breathes into us worth and value by the very act of forming us in our mother’s womb. That scripture demonstrates the love of God shining through the darkness of our world.

I recently saw this post:

 

Your past abortion might have created a deep brokenness within you, but it does not define you. If you walk in freedom because you know the God of this universe has forgiven and healed you from your abortion, then live that testimony out. Speak about the lies of abortion that our world refuses to acknowledge.

Scripture has already made it clear where your identity comes from and who formed you. Be that pro-life voice that is there to love and heal those broken by abortion. Share your testimony of restoration to the post-abortive community. Only you, who have felt the physical and emotional wounds of abortion, can speak the truth to the outrage around us.

Know this, even with all the clamor and noise, your life, your story, and —your testimony— matters!

The next time you see Psalm 139: 13-14, remind yourself that it was YOU who was knit in your mother’s womb for a purpose. Share what God has done in your life—even in the regret of your past abortion. Bring healing to a world desperate to know the truth.

Your pro-life identity speaks the loudest among us because abortion is where your ministry began. Your testimony is now your pro-life identity. Be that voice!