The Test Was WHAT?

Teen, Unmarried and Pregnant? Afraid? Ashamed? Unsure what to do?  Have no idea who you can trust?    Need a friend who has walked a similar path, who won’t judge the situation you find yourself in?

If you answered yes to the first question, and yes to any of the others,

This Blog is for you.

I hope in the daily blog posts here, you will find comfort and encouragement, and a place where you can rest and gather strength for all the decisions and struggles and yes, even joys that you are experiencing, and will experience, on the journey that you have begun. 

So, just who am I?

I am a woman who found myself 27 years ago, unmarried and pregnant. I was scared, had to figure out who to turn to and how to make choices that would affect the rest of my and my unborn child’s life. I made a promise 27 years ago that I would dedicate my life to helping other young women you were walking this path.

This is my story.

I was sixteen and he was 17 when our relationship began. I was in love. True love. Even 27 years later, looking back through adult and more mature eyes, I can say it was true love. Our relationship had its share of ups and downs. I believed in my heart that I would one day marry this young man. He was smart. Good-looking. Adventurous. And he cared about ME.

After his senior year, when he went to another city for college. I could not stand being away from him. I graduated mid year so I could go to college early and be with him. I wasn’t there long and we broke up for good. I moved back home. Started a career in the field I always dreamed of.  Worked on healing my broken heart.

My periods had always been erratic. I was not in a relationship.  I had been on the pill. I missed taking it for 2 weeks back when I was at college, but when I moved home, I saw no reason to start taking it again.

1month.

2months.

3months.

Positive pregnancy test.

I will never forget the call from the clinic.

“ Glenda? The test is positive. You are pregnant.”

   Silence.

“Glenda? Are you there?”

  A barley audible,” Yes.”

“ Do you want to be pregnant?”

   An even quieter, “ No…”

“ Let’s make you an appointment for the end of the week so you can get this all taken care of. “

The appointment was made for an abortion consultation, all the while knowing, I would not choose that option.

The next several days were a whirlwind.

How do I tell my mom and dad? Remember this is almost 30 years ago. Unmarried girls DID NOT have babies and raise them.

Do I tell my ex-boyfriend? What do I tell him?

Which of my friends do I tell?

Who can I trust to help me make the choices I needed to make?

A lot was rushing through my head and heart.

Is this where YOU are? Trying to figure out where to turn?

Tomorrow I will share those hard conversations I needed to have, and maybe some insight to help you make YOUR upcoming conversations a little easier.

One thing I do know. I will be having a conversation today FOR you. There is ONE who already knows what is down the road for you and the choices you will make. HE is laying you on my heart right now, and I am bringing your situation before HIM.

The Bible says this:

Jeremiah 1:5  "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose.

You see, this verse is not ONLY about your unborn baby. It is about YOU.

He knows YOU. He has a purpose for YOU, just as He did, and does for me.

I am hoping YOU might take comfort in that thought.

One last thing.

Why start my blog on this subject now?

Because in October 1982, I gave birth to Stephen Lawrence, and my choices made the life that both of us have today.

Would I change any of my choices? You bet.

But that my friend, is an entirely different day in the blog.

Come back tomorrow. We’ll both be waiting.

Until then, stop and think, and listen to that still small voice. It is usually right.

Because I’ve Been There,

Glenda