In Lieu of Flowers

Today marks the second anniversary since my sister in Christ and precious friend Ruth was laid to rest after she most unexpectedly left this world and entered her heavenly home.  After she was gone I recall how difficult it was to stop calling the quaint ranch down the road “Ruth’s House”.  But the moment her heart stopped was the moment her address changed.  It was a permanent move.  She didn’t have to pack, organize or stress over this relocation – it just happened.  It happens to us all.  Many hope that they know where there will spend eternity but few know for sure.  Ruth knew where she was going, she just didn’t know when.  This confident knowledge came not from the power of her positive thinking or her good works, which were many.  It came because she acknowledged what the masses ignore – her own sinful, hopeless state.  She confessed to the Creator of the Universe that she would never be good enough to grace the streets of gold.  She believed in the Lord Jesus and she was saved!  (Acts 16:31)

 

October 20^th is a reminder that death is a guarantee.  That reality should cause us all to examine what we are doing here on this earth ‘til our time comes.  While Ruth called this world her home she was actively pouring her time and energy into others. 

Death is a guarantee for us all –

Life is not for far too many.

With this reality in mind, Ruth dedicated a chapter of her life to helping the unborn in her community by volunteering at Brephos Pregnancy Center.  She had a heart for single moms and enjoyed serving them.  Today we know this organization as Cornerstone Pregnancy Care Services
 in Gap, Pennsylvania.  Ruth was not one to brag, so I never knew of her involvement in this humble charity until I read her obituary. 

In lieu of flowers
contributions may be made to

Cornerstone Pregnancy Care Services…

Last month I learned that the CPCS would be hosting a 25^th Anniversary Benefit Dinner on the 20^thof October.  I knew right away that I needed to be there focusing on the needs of others instead of replaying the events of two years ago in my mind. 

I was so challenged and encouraged by the Keynote Speaker John Ensor, President of PassionLife, to embrace life.  The thoughts he shared are woven throughout the paragraphs below.  Despite the fact that I’m in the final weeks of carrying my fourth child, I find that my attitude toward life is not always the same as God’s.  When I found out that I was expecting again last spring my first reactions were overwhelming panic at the sickness and discomfort to come.  I am regularly frazzled by the three sons that I already have, what if I have another high energy little boy!?!  My first three children were all about 4 years apart – this was too soon! 

My fears dull in comparison to the women who walk through the doors of an abortion clinic or pregnancy center.  What these organizations do with a woman's fear means life or death for the unborn.  An organization like CPCS will strive to lower the fear and save the baby.  But the local Planned Parenthood seeks to raise the fear for the vulnerable mother to be, that way they can sell more abortions.

Why should this be your problem or mine?

Deliver those who are drawn toward death,

And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. 

Proverbs 24:11 NKJV

Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:4 NIV

 

God is calling us to a graphic rescue.  What is required of us is nothing new, it is just our turn.  The midwives of Egypt had a similar calling thousands of years ago when  gendercide was ordered by the Pharaoh.  Countless stories have surfaced from the time when the Nazis sought to devour the Jewish people of Europe.   If you feel insignificant in the fight for life than I would read one of these books:

Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed:

The Story of the Village of Le Chambon

and How Goodness Happened There

By:  Philip P. Hallie

Conscience and Courage:

Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust

By:  Eva Fogelman 

Answering The Call

Saving Innocent Lives One Woman At A Time

By:  John Ensor

Stand for Life:

Answering the Call, Making the Case, Saving Lives

By:  John Ensor and Scott Klusendorf
 

Love requires more than passively ignoring evil.  The Good Samaritan made the problems of a hurt stranger his problems.  As you walk along your path in life what will you do when you see a woman off to the side who is alone, hurting and needs your help?  Will you hold up a Pro-Life Protester Sign or will you bend down to meet the practical needs of the one before you? 

On October 27, 2012, Ruth and her husband planned to host a table at  the CPCS annual banquet.  She was excited to invite her friends and family.  Her season of life did not permit her to serve hands-on at Cornerstone, but she knew that her financial involvement could have an impact.  Her chair sat empty that evening.  Just days before God called her home.  I hope and pray that by writing this her life will still have an impact on such a vital ministry in our community.  Abortion is a global problem that lurks in every small town across our nation.  

If you would like to Make a Difference at CPCS or your local Crisis Pregnancy Center than the time to act is now.  The services provided at these centers are free of charge so your involvement is critical to their future survival.     

In Loving Memory of a devoted Mother.

Pin It