Stories of Hope

When I was a little girl I remember my big sister having to deal with the pain of losing her two little boys. This is a just a glimpse of her story. Christina Philips was very high risk during each of her pregnancies due to a condition called Cervical insufficiency. The first two pregnancies were boys and she lost them both. She carried Christian until 18 weeks and Nolan until 25. Most abortions happen from 0-24 weeks, but some states still allow late abortions to happen at 25 weeks in certain cases. After another high risk pregnancy Christina delivered twin girls at 25 weeks. Sophia Grace weighing 1 pound 10 ounces and Madalynn Elise weighing 1 pound 6 ounces. After 102 days of being hospitalized, these two baby girls got to go home. At a young age I saw the great sorrow children could bring, but I also got to see and experience the joy they could bring. Soph and Madie will be turning 13 this year and they are both typical pre-teen girls. I encourage those who think pregnancy is just getting rid of tissues that leads to a baby, to look at these two girls and realize life is formed at conception.

Submitted by Lydia C.

“Although I was too young to do what I did to have babies at 17 and 18, the unforgetable feelings of insecurity, love, shame, denial, embarrassment, disappointment, reputation, the unknown, shattered dreams, and everything else that comes with a teenage pregnancy, there was a huge decision to be made. The decision to make an unforgetable decision of regret, unforgiveness, shame, sorrow or a decision of new life, your life, love, and celebrations.

Her dad and I were in a forbidden relationship when I got pregnant. I was in denial thinking or hoping that this would just go away on its own. At 17 I had my first baby girl. We got married at 18. At 18 my second daughter was born, our little family was growing. Lots of responsibility for such a young family.

Raising these little girls was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was young but God provided the entire time. I know the true meaning of “it takes a village.”

Submitted by Lucy G.