Not good enough?

Women decide they don't want to be pregnant so they terminate their pregnancy. People decide they wouldn't want a child of her color so they wait years for a family.

I look at my daughter and wonder how anyone could possibly entertain the idea that her life is worth nothing. Women end the lives of their children for petty reasons - selfish reasons. We don't know who her father is - is that reason to not want her? She had no prenatal care - so is she not as valuable? I wonder how someone waiting years for a child would pass my daughter up because she isn't the "right" color of skin. Look at my daughter - isn't she beautiful? Are we so consumed with wanting "perfection" that the sanctity of each life is in question?

Created in God's image and crafted by his hand. She is absolutely perfect. She is flawless. Her tiny nose and her perfect fingers. Her gorgeous head full of hair. Her beautiful dark eyes. She is our daughter and no other is above her. She is capable of bringing so many to the Kingdom of God. It is very emotional for me to hold her, love her, kiss her and then think that there are people out there who do not view her as worthy. Who are you to believe so highly of yourself that this beautiful daughter of the king is not as "worthy" as you?

This tiny life is faced with racism before she is out of the womb. Families decide that a child with her color wouldn't "fit well" with their family. Can you believe it? Can you imagine someone having the nerve to tell me she isn't the absolute best? These feelings give me a look into the heart of God. These are HIS children - his creation - his handy work. And yet many dismiss them as second best.

Her eyes are a wide and beautiful. She looks up at me and just stares... is that a smile? :-) When she cries, one of us hold her close to our bodies and she knows she is safe. We didn't conceive her - but she is ours. I love her more than I can express. She is daddy's princess and he is her protector. She is our daughter. And despite what people think - she is perfect and we would not change a thing about her for the world.

Yes, my daughter was a result of a rape. Something so ugly and evil. . . . but God took the ashes and created something incredibly beautiful. She is a testimony of God's grace, of his love and his desire to heal the hurt. Her biological mother and grandma could have turned away from God because of this - but they didn't. Instead they turned to God and found themselves drawn to Him - the comforter and healer.

In my trauma class I was introduced to Isaiah 61:2-3 ... but I saw it first hand in the life of my daughter and her biological family:
"To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor!"