Marcy's Story - UNTOLD

A single mom with no support system and faced with a second pregnancy. As I walked through the doors of a place that I thought would help me find the solution to my “problem,” I found a much different answer, but one that brought joy to more than just me.

I had a very difficult and unloving childhood. I was the victim of sexual assault and I did not finish high school. I was unemployed and struggled with mental health issues. I had a child I was determined to raise, but parenting was challenging for me. I was a loving and attentive parent to my son, but I was a single mother with no support from anyone.

When my son was only five months old, I became pregnant again. My first thought was to have an abortion. I didn’t see any possible way I could parent another child. I went to a local Care Net crisis pregnancy center thinking about getting an abortion. At Care Net I was reassured that terminating the pregnancy was not my only option. I did not fully realize what happened during an abortion. Once I was educated on what it meant to have an abortion, I knew I couldn’t go through with it. I decided that adoption was the best option for both me and my baby and I was referred to Bethany Christian Services.

I decided that adoption was the best option for both me and my baby

I looked through profiles of prospective adoptive families and one stood out to me. I prayed and asked God to guide me and He kept directing me to one particular family. When we met for the first time, I shared with the family that I wanted my daughter’s middle name to be “Faith.” I told them, “I need to have faith to give her up and trust you.” The couple then shared that if they had a daughter someday, they were already planning to give her the middle name of “Faith.” That was the sign to me that God was bonding us together.

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I received on-going support during the adoption process. My Bethany caseworker took me to all of my prenatal appointments and watched my young son while I saw the doctor. I joined a women’s Bible study and my faith grew. When my daughter was born, I spent time early on caring for her and invited the adoptive parents to stay at the hospital and spend time with her as well. While it was not an easy process, I followed through with the adoption plan. A month after the baby was born, I got a job. A few months later, I moved to an apartment in a safer neighborhood. As a result, I was better able to care for my son.

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Today, I have a positive, open relationship with the adoptive family and it brings me joy to see how well my birth daughter is doing. I believe adoption is the best of both worlds. I gave my daughter a better life than I could give her and I gave this gift to two people who can’t have children. I still see her and she’s always going to know me. She has a mom and dad who love her to death. She’s always smiling and I can tell she’s very happy. I have peace with my decision and I consider her a blessing.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

2 CHRONICLES 15:7

Reflection

We offer these questions as an opportunity to reflect on your own faith journey and what God has placed on your heart as you consider the courageous decisions you make, the support and encouragement you offer to others, and your daily walk as an example of Christ’s love and mercy.

1
Marcy’s story is one of TRUST, SACRIFICE, and “FAITH”.

Consider ONE way her story spoke to you.
2
Marcy shared, “My first thought was that terminating the pregnancy was the ONLY option.” However, with the help of a support center she was able to become fully EDUCATED about what really happens during an abortion. This, in turn, motivated her to take a pause and learn about other viable alternatives for the life she carried.

How can we help others create a necessary “pause” to learn more, pray more, consult with others more, etc. during times of difficulty?
What are ways that we as a society use terminology to cloak the sanctity of human life by referring to it in terms of choices and options?
3
Marcy shared that she “prayed for God to guide her” when she was selecting an adoptive family and felt He called her to one particular couple.

It’s powerful to experience Marcy’s trust in God at a time of uncertainty. Many are tempted to turn away from God right when they need Him the most. Reflect about a time in your life when you trusted God to help you.
4
What is the significance of Marcy indicating that she wanted to name her child “Faith?”

How did that help affirm her adoption decision?
When have you felt God’s presence “affirming” a thought or action you’ve had? How have you shared that with others? What would be the benefit in doing so?
5
Marcy shared, “While it was not an easy process, I followed through with the adoption plan.” She went on to say, “I have peace with my decision and I consider her a blessing.”

How did her choice of adoption create a triple win?
Can you think of a time that God used your brokenness or weakness for the good?
6
Marcy shared that she received help and support from two different local centers.

Beyond the tangible support provided, what other ways do you think these resources served Marcy and God’s plan for her?
How can you offer support to local centers of any kind?

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”

MATTHEW 18:5

Resources

NOTE: The following resources are offered with the intent to foster additional thought, discussion, and prayer. In some cases, specific organizations are listed as examples of available support; however, this is by no means intended as a comprehensive list, nor is it an indication of formal endorsement by Matthew West’s ministry.

We celebrate all the ministries, churches, and organizations who courageously offer love, compassion, and support to ALL of God’s children.

MATTHEW WEST’S SONG – Safe and Sound

While written and composed years ago, this beautiful song captures the sentiment that Marcy felt having chosen this unexpected path for her daughter – that she will now be “safe and sound.” It also reflects the role of the adoptive parents in committing to love and care for their new daughter. With so many hopeful couples waiting to adopt, this is a song and a prayer that they will have the opportunity to share these words with their future adopted children.

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Bringing Families Together through Adoption

When you choose to adopt, you give a child the gift of love. Whether you are seeking adoption because infertility has prevented you from growing your family, or you feel it is God’s calling to provide a loving home for a child, adoption is a very rewarding way to start or grow your family.

Our goal at Bethany Christian Services is to find loving and nurturing homes for children. Adoptive families give children the opportunity to become all God intends for them to be.

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The Sanctity of Human Life Free Bible Study Sessions by Philip Nation

Christians have the opportunity to play a significant part in the cultural conversation about life. As people of the gospel, we should be experts on speaking about a person’s value with conviction and grace. But it requires both characteristics. Truth spoken without grace degenerates into yelling from an arrogant position. Grace communicated without truth tells everyone to just feel good about whatever choices are made. When it comes to the unborn, we need to deliver God’s truth to the culture in a way that wins minds and hearts to His truth.

Click on the link below to check out the free Bible study session:

And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

HEBREWS 2:13

Prayer for Life

Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness.

Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Amen.