I met one of my heroes, abortion survivor and pro-life speaker, Gianna Jessen!
Her speech was beautiful, powerful, hilarious, inspirational, and memorable. And it reminded me so much of my dear friend, Bonnie, who has a similar story of surviving an abortion and now living with cerebral palsy, yet so passionately in love with Jesus and life and victorious over all the things the enemy meant for destruction.
I am blessed to have met Gianna after years of knowing her story. I was able to share a bit about both Bonnie and Lily.
If you're unfamiliar with Gianna Jessen, please take the time to watch this video of her speaking. You won't regret it! There are so many things I could say about how her testimony has impacted my life, but I'll let you just be moved by listening to her yourself. (Email subscribers click HERE).
You might recognize Gianna because she recently testified before congress to get Planned Parenthood defunded. Here is that video (it gives me chills!) Please share these videos... Gianna is a face for the unborn! (Email subscribers click HERE).
Here is a hilarious moment from the banquet. Gianna was talking specifically to the men about standing up and being strong men who protect, defend, and cherish women and children. She told them to picture blue paint on their faces (think Braveheart) and to leap like valiant warriors and yell "freedom!" This is what ensued. (Email subscribers click HERE).
Last weekend, I attended the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia's Annual Banquets with my grandmother. It's our tradition to go together. I felt all sorts of nostalgia as I was reminded of going to this very event in the very same building 6 years ago in the month of October when I was 18 weeks gestation with Lily Katherine.
I'll never forget how there were lilies in the centerpiece of each table, a sweet reminder from Jesus that He knew Lily and was forming her life and her purpose.
Here is a picture I took that night of the lilies in the centerpiece.
I took one of the lilies home and dried it out.
It is now in Lily's scrapbook all these years later!
That is the first time I clearly and distinctly recall the Lord speak to my heart that one day I would be sharing my story as a public speaker (something I never wanted to do in and of myself). At the time, I had no idea how the story would unfold in the months and years ahead, but God knew. I always assumed I'd have a beautiful daughter to show as my choice of life.
As I ached with missing her at the banquets, especially with seeing other mothers who chose life share photos and videos of their children, I was reminded of these things... Lily has all Heaven's glory and is not missing anything. God is sovereign and was not surprised by her life or death. And I don't need her here as proof of her existence. My heart and life transformed is proof in itself.
As I drove into town on the evening of the first banquet, I thought back to the same banquet all those years ago, and I listened to my favorite song on repeat, "He's Always Been Faithful," by Sara Groves. Praise overflowed from my heart as I could see God's faithfulness in my life through all the years, through the joys and sorrows. I could never regret trusting Him and serving Him, even when things haven't gone the way I wouldn't planned. He held my hand through that season and through all the years since and I know He will continue to guide me.
"He's Always Been Faithful"
by Sara Groves
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God's hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I've heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful, He's always been faithful
He's always been faithful to me
Here are my grandmother and I with her friend 6 years ago at the banquet
And here we are this year
Our table this year
My Aunt Sarah and Uncle Steve
The first night, a man named Fr. Agustino spoke. I enjoyed his funny speech.
The second night, Gianna Jessen spoke. It was probably one of the best
speeches I've ever heard. I will post another blog about that soon.
