Dear Sustaining Partner,
“For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.”
Song of Solomon 2: 10-12
I love this poetic description of spring. Everything around us is new and fresh. Optimism seems somehow easier to exercise. It’s hard to feel hopeless on a morning when the air smells of citrus blossoms and birds are singing. Don’t you love our area when the Jacarandas are in full bloom, and our streets are lined with clouds of purple??!!
The boys sit by the door every morning to watch birds flitting all over the yard. “So near and yet so far away.” I wonder every morning why they torture themselves when the outcome will be the same. They’ll give up and go take a morning nap. I watch and sympathize. I understand frustration.
At times I too feel frustrated by the overall lack of progress toward the reversal of Roe Vs Wade, the legislation passed in 1973 which legalized abortion. In the past few months the laws regarding abortion have not only become more and more liberal, it’s impossible to wrap my mind around the deliberate murder of an innocent baby. At last a glimmer of hope—I saw the film Unplanned last week and fully believe if we who claim to be “prolife” would go see the film, take people with us and encourage everyone we know to see it, the way our culture views Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry would radically change in a very short time.
I hear more and more discussion about what is and what is not legitimate healthcare. Encouraging and benefitting from abortion is not women’s healthcare. We who support life know this is true! I’ve spent many years wondering if our community is ever going to get tired of our two neighborhood clinics making bookoo bucks from the slaughter of our youngest citizens. Lately, I’m more encouraged than frustrated.
We’ve been speaking through every possible means to challenge those who believe life is sacred to do something other than talk. Recently we’ve had more response from men and women who want to know how they can volunteer. There are many, many ways for individuals and for groups. For instance, last weekend a group from The Anchor Bible Church in Redlands came to give our floors and baseboards a thorough cleaning. What a pure gift for us when we know medical clinic industry standards but have very little time for maintenance.
Another need is for multicolor valances in one of our consultation rooms and reception area because the windows look bear with no treatments. If you’re someone who sews, here’s a project to complete, and (If you choose) go. We hope you won’t but doing so won’t make us any less grateful for your service.
Still not sure? Call Wendy DeView at 909-382-4550 and find out where you’ll fit. THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU!
We’ve got several events coming in the next few months. Read about them in the monthly donor letter, our quarterly newsletter (June), website (pregnancyfamily.org) or our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pregnancyfamily/
You can follow along on Facebook to get day-by-day updates.
The familiar “Time” passage in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything. Each of us has only so much appointed time and a limited number of seasons given to us by the Lord to do His kingdom work. I challenge you to meditate on this passage with an open heart, and while you do prayerfully consider what God is asking YOU to do with your time and resources?
Seasons pass and with them opportunities. Regardless of what the media reports, not all is lost. If we move forward as God leads, we will experience abundant blessings, and see babies’ lives saved, and the lives of families transformed. There is NO “doom and gloom” down here. Just those who are recipients of grace and mercy who share both.
Once again, I invite you to come down and see for yourself. It’s time you did!!
For Life!
Lisa J Wholley
Executive Director