by Terri Fox, Program & Events Specialist at Heartbeat International
“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” - Ps. 71:20-21
It's a privilege to be part of Heartbeat’s Babies Go to Congress. There’s a transformation that begins to unfold with each mom as she prepares and shares her personal story during orientation through to the final meetings with her congressional representatives and the closing lunch.
Three things caught my attention on this recent trip.
1. First, after spending the evening getting to know the moms and walking through their stories, I awoke in the night singing the song “Good Plans.” The lyric, “He has good plans for me; so I will take heart in deserts and gardens...” speaks of how God has good plans for us no matter where we are on our journey. I thought about the good plans that are being revealed to these moms whether they are still walking through the desert or resting in the garden.
I knew that in a few short hours, these women, vulnerable and brave, would be sharing how a pregnancy center or maternity housing program helped her find the strength and courage she needed to say yes to the life she was carrying. She would talk of breaking generational cycles, and how not one life, but two lives had been saved.
2. Second was a sign in an elevator that read, “When flashing help is on the way.” I thought about the work of pregnancy centers and how they are beacons of hope and help as they shine in the darkness of this fallen world. And I thought about how God is always available, no flashing button required.
3. And third, I witnessed each woman display an increasing sense of honor, accepting the comfort of the Lord with every retelling of her story.
A spirit of gratitude penetrated my heart as I thanked God for the pregnancy help organization staff members, volunteers, board members, and donors, who are walking with these women into the restorative power of Jesus who is bringing them up to live out the good plans he has for each of them.
To learn more about this event and the stories of the brave women who joined us in D.C., click here.
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About the Author
Terri Fox has worked in administrative support, and management, has been a B&B owner, and held a real estate license. In 2011, she joined Heartbeat International as an office assistant, advanced to Grant Writer and Coordinator, and for a season served as Executive Assistant. Today, she serves as the Program and Events Specialist. Through her personal stories of loss and healing, she shares evidence of God’s love in all circumstances. Terri resides in central Ohio with her husband, Scott.