Isaiah 49:15 (Love Me True) by Jennifer Schmidt

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

“Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” ~ Isaiah 49:15 (full readings)

Jennifer's Reflections:

In identifying as pro-life, we embrace God’s gracious gift—the gift of precious, new souls. Blessed Mother Teresa said “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Few of us are equipped to address the comprehensive needs of parents continuing unplanned pregnancies, but we can each, always, offer small acts of love. For years I've counseled young women—some of whom I’ve had the privilege of supporting as they adjusted to the challenges of single motherhood.

I recently encountered, by chance, an unmarried, young woman who was obviously pregnant. In nudging myself to acknowledge a pregnancy to a woman whose young face looked strained with many worries, I witnessed the transforming power of a genuine smile and “Congratulations! When are you due?” Her face brightened from fatigue to excited as she eagerly shared the baby’s due date and details about preparations for her child. She was appreciative of a very small gift—the simplicity of a stranger’s sincere interest. Never will she know that she and her unborn baby shed new light on a critical, life lesson I still struggle to master. The most virtuous, compassionate souls among us never refrain from acting in kindness because it might be unexpected or uncomfortable. After all, each life is sacred and deserving of celebration. “Love Me Tender, Love Me True.”

* Jennifer Schmidt and her husband John have two young sons and after experiencing the anticipated infant loss of their daughter Gianna Marie, have counseled couples served by a local perinatal hospice. Jennifer is a licensed clinical professional counselor and serves as the Counseling Center Assistant Director for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

Faith Challenge: As pro-lifers, we have the privilege of conveying that life is precious, even in the smallest, simplest ways. It seems so obvious, yet I’m so easily distracted and rushed with multiple commitments. I’m challenging myself to act with more intentionality on this very simple matter—remembering to give the gift of a smile (and genuinely-conveyed interest). Perhaps a few others welcome a similar nudge.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel
* Focus on the Family (8 Oct): Running to Save Lives (2 min).
* Relevant Radio (5 Oct): LIFE Runners on Morning Air (Hour 1, 31:30 to 46:30).

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Edward.

Faith Quote: “One cannot love without suffering or suffer without loving.”~ Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, served the most vulnerable of society.

Through Christ our Lord,

Jennifer
Isaiah 49:15

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!

* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.