In October we observe Respect Life Month. It is a reminder that we are each called to cherish, defend, and protect life. Yesterday was a beautiful reflection of this at our center staff retreat day. Each member of the team shared their personal journey that led them to the life-saving ministry of PDHC. God’s calling was at the center of each of their testimonials, but hearing the unique path He used to guide them here was so inspirational. My heart was filled with joy knowing these are the individuals at the heart of our ministry.
Their work is fulfilling as they provide hope and encouragement to a new mom who needs help facing challenging pregnancy decisions. But their work can also cause them to grow weary when despite their efforts and fervent prayer, a woman they served may still proceed with an abortion decision. The retreat is a time for the team to refresh and rejuvenate. We were reminded of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
During the retreat, we took a beautiful walk through the woods amidst bold and brilliant-colored leaves and a gentle crisp breeze. It was a time to spend alone with God, reflecting on scripture and enjoying the beauty of His creation. We gathered at a bridge covering a gently flowing creek. Everyone was given a white daisy to represent a burden they were carrying, whether it was a challenging personal situation, a specific woman they had been counseling, or a baby whose life was lost to abortion. They then cast the daisy into the water representing them giving it up to God.
As we stood there in silence, I watched the individual falling leaves. I thought of the challenges each leaf represented, each unique to the person facing it. Then, as a gentle breeze picked up, I watched a flurry of leaves fall, and I thought of times in our lives when we felt overwhelmed and burdened by many challenges. The breeze would calm once again, and single leaves would fall. We were reminded of James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Please continue to pray for our team as they serve with pure love, kindness, and compassion.
