The Harder Thing

United for Life. This was our focus throughout 2024. A good one to have in a world that seems so obviously divided. If we want to change the world, we need each other’s help. As we saw with the recent tragedy resulting from Hurricane Helene, it’s the people of this nation who have responded quickly to help. Many brave heroes jumped in to do the right thing when they saw nothing being done. The right thing to do is often the harder thing.

Our Nurses and Client Services Managers choose to be in a position where doing the right thing is the “harder thing”. For instance, we exist to empower women to make choices for life but we can’t make that decision for them. We recently had two women planning to abort scheduled in the clinic on the same day. Here are a few non-identifying lines from the case notes. The first: “No spiritual beliefs. Searched the internet for help and found Crossroads. She said after the ultrasound ‘I thought I would have feelings, but I don't’.” The second one: “Found us on Google.  Said she vaped every day and wasn't sure if that would hurt the baby. After the ultrasound she stated she was going to go through with the abortion.”

At least they came to us first. We gave them the truth about life. We told them about the risks of abortion. We handed them information on Abortion Pill Reversal. We gave them “food for thought” and showed them unconditional love and care. They knew we didn’t see abortion as an acceptable option (we won’t refer them). Instead, we handed them help and hope. And then we lay it down to the Lord. The outcome is in His hands and as they say, “It’s not over until it’s over,” but we may never know the outcome. This can be hard.

The very next day, another patient came in. She had taken the pill a while before coming to us. Her notes: “She has spiritual beliefs, a mixture of all religions. Came to Crossroads in part because it is faith-based, "looked clean," and seemed to have a welcoming, family feel to it”.  The ultrasound showed that the baby was still there! She chose to continue the pregnancy! On her exit survey she wrote: She would refer us to a friend because Crossroads is “full of info & love”. When asked to describe her experience, she wrote, “Absolutely amazing!”

Please consider a year end gift to Crossroads Pregnancy Center. When we’re united for life, we can change the world.

Have a wonderful holiday season,

Cindy Mansberger, Executive Director

John 17: 23 “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.