Between a rock and a hard place

We often focus on a small portion of a larger issue when we determine to defend the sanctity of life. Our attention is often centered on the result and not the causes.

Many young ladies in impoverished countries must contend with unimaginable challenges that are foreign to most of us in the Western world. I will attempt to simplify this complicated reality and go a bit deeper into what takes place in the lives of millions of women – long before an abortion is even an option. I know for many this will be difficult to imagine, let alone comprehend.

Starting around middle-school age, young ladies fully understand that education is their ticket out of poverty; it will provide them the financial stability and social standing to have a better life.

Sexual predators

Sadly, most pregnancies occur at the secondary and college levels – and here are a couple of reasons why. Female students are forced to give themselves to a teacher or a professor; otherwise, they'll receive a failing grade. Some young ladies are forced to give their bodies in exchange for sponsorships/scholarships given by local businessmen or women who are actually sexual predators. These vulnerable young women are truly stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

As difficult as these examples may be to believe, they are common among those who are in a position of privilege. The very people who can give much needed help and provide a noble and worthy service, instead choose to abuse marginalized people and pervert the system.

These are just a few of the harsh realities for many women around the globe. We must intervene with the Gospel and teach the significant value of human life, both born and unborn. We are obliged to rescue these girls from predators and thousands of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies that eventually lead to abortions.

Preventing abortion is paramount. However, we must also work hard to understand the mitigating circumstances surrounding them. We must be willing to sit across from some of these girls, when possible, to hear their stories and why they have chosen such treacherous paths.

~ ~ ~

There are thousands, if not millions, of children who are being sponsored annually around the world, through companies like you see advertised on television.

Aging out of the system

Sponsorships, for which, the children are not only grateful, but they also could not survive without them. Unfortunately, many of these children come from extreme poverty and cannot afford higher education, leaving the door open to predators as they age out of their childhood sponsorships.

The young boys and girls in refugee and displacement camps are voiceless, invisible, and forgotten. They too, make decisions out of hunger, desperation, necessity and lack of self-worth. Matthew 9:36 says, “When he saw the crowds (in this case, these precious young ones), he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Let us show Christ-like compassion and facilitate their introduction the One True Shepherd. Only He can bring an end to the place of harassment and helplessness where they exist.

To learn more about how Julie’s Heart Cry is working to minister to all these needs, check out the “Our Ministries” section of the website or contact me at juliesheartcry@gmail.com or (434) 941-2479.