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A Life Taken and Life Given

A Life Taken and Life Given

Last updated on: March 28, 2014 at 4:18 am by Chelsea Patterson

A Life Taken and Life Given 2014-03-28T04:18:05-05:00 Chelsea Patterson

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Volunteering with the local crisis pregnancy center is one of the great joys of my time in DC. A few months ago, I was asked to help out with a parenting class. Chuckling, I replied that I obviously don’t have any experience since I am neither married nor a parent. However, my role is to take care of the children while the parents attend a class, where they learn how to be parents.

This evening, as I waltzed in to hold my precious babies, I was pulled aside by one of the workers and informed that one of the couples who had been attending the classes was no longer going to be coming. When I asked why, I was told that the husband had murdered the wife and then was involved in a shoot out with the police, where he was killed.

I was in shock.

After leaving the center, I needed to walk. So I headed over to a friends house to deliver some extra food I had from that evening’s dinner. He profusely thanked me for walking the 15 minutes over. What I didn’t tell him was that I despertly needed that time to walk.

Walking clears my head and allows me time to think. As I walked on the hill, my heart was torn in two grieving for these beautiful women who’s husbands beat them, abuse them, and refuse to love and cherish them. One lady came in tonight with her jaw broken. I want so desperately to save them and rescue them.

As I poured out my thoughts to my Savior, He gently reminded me that He is the one to save them. My job is to point these broken people straight to the heart of the Father.

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Most of these people know their depravity. They live with it up close and personal everyday. What they need isn’t a better government program, it isn’t more money, or even a loving husband.

What they need is Jesus.

I get to show them love every week by holding their beautiful children while they attend class. Sure, over half the people are only there because they have to be by court order, but nevertheless, I can still show them love.

You see, my job isn’t supposed to be their savior, but my job is to point them to the One who truly can redeem. The one who died for their souls, that they might know eternal life

As my heart grieved the loss of the couple – I was encouraged that I have new life to offer these precious people. I have so much more to offer than my human love for a few hours a week.

I can point them to eternal love.

My job is to point them to the hands and feet of Christ – pierced on the Cross. My job is to share the Gospel with them, in word and in deed.

I will continue to love them.

I will continue to hold their babies.

I will continue to play with cuties such as this handsome fellow!

I will continue to proclaim the gospel to them.

And I will rest in my Fathers arms.

I don’t save them, He does.

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