Flying Back Home
Callie prayed and received Christ at our Sevierville office. We were able to give her a beautiful study bible that had been donated by incredible difference makers in our community like you! What a blessing. Callie was so hungry for Jesus.
Our team was so excited to journey alongside Callie as she was growing in Christ during the Embrace Grace bible study. She also was getting her mind and heart right to mother these sweet twins that she was pregnant with.
We were several weeks in. The church that adopted her was praying for her each week and excited to begin purchasing items for twins! We love when we do semesters of Embrace Grace. You all show up in BIG ways to love the brave moms going through that specific program.
It was a new week and Callie was ready to come in. We came into the Sevierville office ready for her and the other appointments to come in earlier this month. We go through our normal opening routines and turning on our computer for the scheduler and see a text that shatters us.
“My mom took sick and I have to fly back home. Sometimes I don’t understand the plan of the Lord, but I won’t question His doing. I write this with tears in my eyes. I will miss you all.”
As heartbroken as we all were, we knew God was up to something good. You see Callie was a teacher in her country before she came to the US. I know many of you are familiar with missionary reports that come back to the states and share how the good news of the gospel is being spread throughout remote villages. Many times by that one that was hungry for Jesus and to tell everyone about what He had done in their life.
Callie was hungry. She wanted everyone to know. That is our prayer. Yes, Callie came and received amazing free medical services and faith based support that your generous giving allows us to do. There is something even greater that your generosity does! Callie received something even greater! A relationship with Jesus Christ. That my friend is something you cannot put a dollar amount on. Priceless indeed! Thank you, Jesus!! A message that He can carry WAY beyond our imagination.
Pray that the message and hope Callie has in her heart will be used in mighty ways! Who knows when we get updates from Callie soon it will blow us away at the goodness of God. Pray for Callie and her pregnancy. Pray she continues to have that burning desire in her heart to share His good news with those she encounters. Thank you for giving. We are seeing more brave families than we ever have before! We appreciate you being obedient and locking arms with us.
Your GIFTS are multiplied at PRC!
Maybe one day...
Have you ever made that statement?
Maybe one day.
Someday I will sit down and do this.
My story has so many moving parts it is always a blessing when I have the opportunity to share about the work of the Pregnancy Resource Center ministry. God always provides a window for me to share the struggles of my past and what He has brought me through and how it relates to the work we do day in and day out at the Center.
It takes all of us working together to make a huge impact on the lives that are touched and saved here. Every person plays such an important part. From the donor who gives monthly or periodically, the volunteers who give of their time, the staff that has been called for a higher purpose to serve, the board that is very engaged at making our vision and mission come to life, and the moms and dads we have the opportunity to serve through all the moving parts. The ministry is 35 years old and that in itself is such a huge testament of grit and perseverance to meet the needs of our community over the years.
Without a doubt, God had a hand in placing me here to serve along with so many amazing people.
I always said to myself that one day I would write a book to share the deep pain points in my life and point it back to the only person that matters and that is the Lord. Without him, I would not be here at this moment today. Last week, I celebrated my seven-year anniversary serving as the Director here at the Center and it has been such a growth journey in my faith.
My eyes have been opened to the reality of the need for the work we do and how so many of our fellow neighbors need the voice of truth. We are bombarded with the voice that wants to kill, steal and destroy our lives. I know for me the voice that kills tried to take my life until the Lord stepped in.
The draft of my testimony sat on my computer for over two years. Self-doubt always held me back from doing anything with it until last year during the throws of covid I knew it was time. I prayed and told the Lord that if he really wanted to see this to fruition then he would need to give me the words and the drive to complete what he started. He is always so faithful!
I am so happy to share with you that, A Voice that Kills, was published at the end of December and is now available at our local favorite store, The Village Tinker, and available online on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578827468/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_gd45FbRT7A30D
I have said if my story helps one person through this process then it is worth it. From one negative voice after the other, I share how we can overcome the voices that want to kill, steal, and destroy our lives by pointing it back to the Voice of Truth, the Holy Spirit, our helper.
The devil calls us by our sin, shame, and guilt, but Jesus Christ calls us by our name: His beloved daughter or son. Overflowing with the hope we can all have in Jesus, A Voice that Kills will help anyone going through past or present hurts to walk in the redemptive story that is waiting on them.
Can God use your story for His glory?
Can I overcome these feelings of being all alone and rise up as His beloved?
Does Jesus really want to pursue me? Did you know that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us?
We need to use our voice of compassion and truth to save lives. It is needed more than ever! We have been silent for far too long. Your voice is needed and could be the very one that leads others to know about our Heavenly Father. We can be a part of many great missions, but it is great to be a part of something so much bigger and that is the Great Commission. God has a story within you. Maybe it isn’t with the pregnancy help community. Regardless, your voice is needed.
I am excited to take this journey with you and pray more people will be set free by listening to the right voice and that is the Voice of Truth!
A Tale of Two Visits
She knew that the front door of the PRC was a revolving door where she would be loved and supported anytime she walked through it. She felt seen and heard in a comforting way.
Upon the second visit, the mother had decided to choose life for her child. The Pregnancy Resource Center was able to provide her with an ultrasound…
A Tale of Two Visits
The first appointment was filled with fear and anxiety for what a child out of wedlock may look like. Fear can paralyze us. That is why it is so important to get connected to a trusted advocate that will listen to your fears, step into that place with you, and share the truth to help you make sound decisions.
After the mother shared her fears with one of the Pregnancy Resource Centers advocates, the advocate was able to share her story. The mother was encouraged, but still a little unsure. She knew she had a lot to think through and knew she had a safe place to run. She knew that the front door of the PRC was a revolving door where she would be loved and supported anytime she walked through it. She felt seen and heard in a comforting way.
Upon the second visit, the mother had decided to choose life for her child. The Pregnancy Resource Center was able to provide her with an ultrasound as well as resources for continuing care at one of the local OB offices. The PRC also provides support programs for couples to encourage the mother and father as they care for their child. They know they have someone in their corner and someone that they can count on in a time of need during and after pregnancy.
We all face times of fear and God’s word encourages us to not cling to fear. Here are a few verses to help you when you are paralyzed by fear:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 1 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV
When you give to the Pregnancy Resource Center you are doing so much more than providing families with free life-saving medical services and support programs. You are connecting them to real people to step in places of pain and give them hope for the future.
When you volunteer and have the opportunity to share your story with others it has the power to break down barriers.
Consider giving a special life-saving gift or subscribing monthly. Lives will be saved and hearts will be changed because you had the heart to make a difference. People need you and your voice.
Episode 4 - A Brave First Step
Today’s Guest: A Brave Mom, Pat—served by the Pregnancy Resource Center.
Today’s Topics: Listen in as one of our brave moms shares her story with us. We have come to know Pat and her family really well. It is a blessing to join alongside families and help them see beyond the biggest fears they face.
Life Takeaways from The Greatest Showman and Baby Elephants
To train the baby elephants they take them when they are still small and tie a strong rope around their necks and attach the rope to a secure pole. The baby elephants naturally try to walk away but the rope holds them back. They pull and push and twist and turn and eventually learn that they just aren’t strong enough to break free of their shackles, so they stop resisting and just stay where they are.
Elephant Tapestry in one of our client care rooms. This is where brave breakthroughs happen!
Photo credit: Michele Farris Photography
The Greatest Showman has been such a big hit. When I allow our daughter to have friends stay the night, they put on the “greatest” show as they sing the songs from the movie word for word. Joy fills our home as I watch them giggle and laugh as they act out each part and jump off our furniture.
My mind wanders to the elephants in the movie and how it relates to not only the brave moms we see here at the Pregnancy Resource Center but people everywhere that are held back from enjoying life by the lies we tell ourselves. When I watch my daughter and her friend's dance and sing so carefree; I ask when will they will be held back from the dreams that are in their hearts and minds. Let’s see how the lies we tell ourselves or spoken over us relates to the interesting story of how they train baby elephants for the circus.
To train the baby elephants they take them when they are still small and tie a strong rope around their necks and attach the rope to a secure pole. The baby elephants naturally try to walk away but the rope holds them back. They pull and push and twist and turn and eventually learn that they just aren’t strong enough to break free of their shackles, so they stop resisting and just stay where they are.
Let’s just stop right there for a moment. Back in the summer, I asked on my personal Facebook page if friends would comment about one lie they believe about themselves. I had many comments that I am sure if I asked them again would say that those lies held them back at some point in their lives or maybe they still do. Be encouraged today by the story of the elephants and how the greatest show in life is to realize who you are and that you are capable of great things.
Now back to the point of the elephants. The next time they tie up the baby elephants they try to break free once again, pulling on the rope to see if they can go free. When they figure out that once again it is impossible, they stop pulling and settle down and stay where they are.
The same thing happens again and again until eventually when the rope is placed over their heads, they no longer try to break free because they know it is impossible. That is why in captivity you can walk by a circus and see giant elephants standing passively with a rope tied around their necks that isn’t attached to anything at all.
The elephant becomes so used to being held back by the rope, that merely the rope itself keeps the animal in check. If only they knew how powerful they are. If only they realized that by the time they have grown up, even a rope “secured” to a pole can no longer contain them. Then they would know what true freedom is. But they don’t.
Are you being held back by the lies that you have believed?
“You cannot do this.”
“You cannot afford to have a baby.”
“You will be so alone.”
“You have no friends.”
“I am ugly.”
STOP! When you whisper those lies to yourself…STOP! Are you secured to a pole that you cannot break free from? Here at the Pregnancy Resource Center, we hear the lies that have been told to these precious families. They have been held in captivity in their mind and believed that they cannot carry out something so great. Beaten down and accustomed to every lie, like the elephants, they simply couldn’t see it right before their eyes.
Literally, their eyes were those of no hope — cast upon the ground, avoiding eye contact, unassertive, without real vision. Believing these words for so long they simply could not imagine anything better, bolder, brighter, bigger for their lives. They lost the ability to dream, to visualize their lives as free men and women, to embrace a bold vision of a better life and a better them.
Looking in the mirror of where they are with a little one on the way and think, “How did this happen.” I have messed up again. I know this because I thought this myself as a teen and pregnant. What I didn’t realize at the time was this was an opportunity for great things ahead. New life for me and my sweet girl on the way!
What can we learn about this captive elephant? We can look at the situations we are in and no longer believe the lies on who we aren’t and the rope that is holding us back. Our mentorship programs are like mini breakthrough sessions when moms and dads are able to look ahead of a greater vision for their life. They can finally break free and walk boldly in who they are.
The chains and ropes with which we are held are mostly in our minds and not around our ankles. Freedom is ours to take, hope is ours to embrace, and meaning and purpose in life are ours to envision at any moment in our lives. We get to see the greatest show when we watch brave moms and dads realize this freedom for the first time. That they can do this!
My New Beginning
Being a single mom is empowering and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
I vividly remember the day I found out I was pregnant. My significant other and I were shocked, and I was even terrified. I called my mom to tell her the news, and she assured me everything would be okay. She told me that when she was pregnant with me years ago The Pregnancy Resource Center was there to help.
The next day I nervously made my way to the center where they confirmed my pregnancy. Everyone was unbelievably welcoming and so helpful. I received tons of information, so many positive and kind words, and even a little goody bag! After leaving, I felt so much better about everything.
I was happy and really looking forward to this huge change in my life. Eight months later my amazing little boy entered the world. After a short six months into my son’s life, his father decided this was not the life he wanted. So, he left us, and I was devastated.
Being a single mom was never in my plans. The thought of it had never even crossed my mind. I was incredibly hurt for a long time. Through this tough time, I always remembered the uplifting words I received at The Pregnancy Resource Center, "This is a blessing. You were made for this."
It has been a roller coaster. It has been HARD, but I wouldn't change a one little thing. Being a single mom is empowering and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I thought my life was over, but it was really a great, new beginning.
Meet brave mom: Amber
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